BrenGun

In early 2020, guitarist OGA and bassist Yodo, who were working together in Nagoya, invited vocalist Sutari to form Sacrifice.
The members have cultivated a harmonious musicality, as shown by the compatibility between Sutari's voice and the compositions of OGA and Yodo. Read on to learn about the dark musical world that radiates from the band's inner self...
 
Read:
https://vk.gy/blog/an-interview-with-sacrifice/
 

Thanks to @Katt for the grammar/spell check!
 
Read on jrockrnoll
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-rana/3/
 

RANA, thank you very much for accepting this interview! 
 
To know you a little bit better, please introduce each other with a funny comment.
 
Vo. AME OTOKO AME (雨男雨) ↓
Ari’S is a multi-talented guitarist who can do everything and anything.
Sola is a drummer with a five-dimensional sensibility. 
 
Gt. Ari’S ↓
AME OTOKO AME, is a serious, stoic and seamless person. But he is also cute and unexpected too. Funnily enough, when he’s drunk, you can have more mature conversations with him.
Sola, is a natural and easy-going person, but he sees people and things in a different way that makes him dependable. When he’s drunk, he likes to act like a sumo wrestler.
 
Dr. Sola (昊) ↓
AME OTOKO AME, is sensitive and stoic. He is quite versatile as he can compose and write lyrics and draw oil paintings. He is also very  mischievous when he drinks.
Ari’S, he is outspoken and an honest person, and on top of that, he has great talking skills.
 
Japanese contains a lot of Kanji, so which Kanji would you give to RANA? 
【真】[Truth] One’s true self, “truth”, is an attitude that we all share.
Also it can mean that we are a band that pursues the creation of great and pure music.
 
Also which Kanji would you choose to express yourself?
 
AME OTOKO AME →  【雨】 Rain, I have a gloomy personality.
 
Ari’S → 【無】 Nothing, No waste, no pressure, nothing at all…
 
Sola → 【心】 Heart/spirit, Even when playing music, it’s the most important thing to live as a person.
 
Please tell us about your encounter, how did you all meet?  
When frogman Jack-©︎ and AME OTOKO AME met each other, they talked about the need for musical notes “rain” to bring inside the modern world and so they planned to start a band to bring  that kind of “rain” to the world. AME OTOKO AME asked his former band mates Ari’S and Sola to join him and so RANA was formed.
Dir&Pro. Jack-© is a frog, right? Why does Jack-© look like a frog? Explain a bit more about the image of Jack-©.
We don’t know if he is a human being who has turned into a frog, we don’t know if humans are disguised like frogs, honestly, we don’t know the truth I guess you could say? But he is the planner of RANA and he’s the one in charge of us behind the scenes. 
 
What was the reason why you became a bandman? Was there anybody who inspired you to become one? 
AME OTOKO AME → I thought it would be lots of fun, I like hide and Ulfuls (ウルフルズ). 
 
Ari’S → The first band I copied was SHAKALABBITS, and that was really fun.
 
Sola → I love music and music saved my life. I started playing drums naturally because I loved to beat to the rhythm of music. The band who inspired me firstly would be the German heavy metal band HELLOWEEN.
 
Being a bandman isn’t always easy so, what’s the most difficult thing about being a bandman?
AME OTOKO AME → Mental strength.
 
Ari’S →  I guess for me, it would be to stay motivated?
 
Sola → To earn money and to stay alive?
 
RANA has an interesting worldview, so could you tell us a little bit more about RANA’s worldview?
The perspective of humans and other living things and “rain” is also an important keyword. While “rain” seems a bit negative and depressing to modern people, everything is inextricably linked to each other, and because there is something negative, there is also a positive. If we can see it all in such a kind of “light“, the message is that “negative” isn’t just always something “negative“.
 
Why did you decide to use “RANA” as a band name? And what does it actually mean? 
Rana is the human condition from a perspective that crosses the boundaries of living things. In keeping with that theme, we could have also used any non-human creature.
 
AME OTOKO AME → So the word RANA felt right. 
 
Your costumes look trendy, so what about your costumes for RANA? How do you decide?
We choose the ones that fit our music, based on fashion trends.
 
Due to Corona your activities and appearances of live shows have been postponed. What would you want to accomplish when you finally can stand on stage? 
AME OTOKO AME → I want to increase the number of fans we have in an audience!
 
Ari’S → Our first step is to make our lives a success. Then the next step is stepping up higher!
 
Sola → It would be nice to have an environment where we can enjoy our live shows as we did before, but it will be difficult to do that for at least a while. But we won’t let that stop us from performing even better and we want to give everyone better shows than before. 
 
Being on stage, what’s the best part of it?
AME OTOKO AME → The best part of being on stage for me is  pouring out a song with a strong message and a hard sound. Also to introduce ambient surround synths, which is rare in live houses which expands the range of sound expressions.
 
Ari’S →  For me, it’s when i’m faced with lots of smiles and when I’m covered in sweat!
 
Sola →  I like it when there is a vibe, with intensity the genuine feel of live sounds. The drums in particular are an instrument that directly expresses emotions, and I want you to experience it for yourself.
 
What’s your biggest inspiration for making music?
AME OTOKO AME → Happiness, anger, sorrow and joy.
 
Ari’S → When you find preciousness in your everyday life.
 
Sola → Both sides of Sorrow and anguish, Ugly parts such as outrageous incidents and beautiful parts such as nature, art, and human goodness.
 
How do you decide on the title of your new song?
AME OTOKO AME → We decide by trying to be as original as possible.
 
Please give us some fun comments about the release of your 1st EP “蛙の詩” and 1.5 EP “蛙の悪戯”.
【蛙の詩】 Is our first release, so we thought a lot about the band and the message we wished to convey, and we made it.
 
【蛙の悪戯】 We created this EP during the Corona restrainment period. We did the entire process online, from arranging to mastering, also it was a good period to test the band’s teamwork.
 
Please tell me about the composition of the EP. How did you write and create the new songs?
AME OTOKO AME →  We composed the EP by using smartphone voice memos and D.A.W.’s (Digital Audio Workspace).
 
Do you have any fun comment to tell about your MV’s to “蛙の悪戯” and “蛙の詩”?
蛙の詩 is the front side, 蛙の悪戯 the back side of our image.
For the MV’s, we had a meeting with the director and left everything up to his own imagination. 
 
Why did you choose the titles “蛙の詩(Frog Poem)” and “蛙の悪戯 (Frog Mischief)” for your 1st EP and 1.5 EP?
AME OTOKO AME ↓
1st → The title track [蛙の詩(Frog poem)] is used as it is.
 
1.5th → Since the theme is unhappiness, it’s a mischievous frog who can be compared to God’s mischief.
 
What was your main inspiration for both EP’s?
AME OTOKO AME ↓
【1st蛙の詩】→ The desire to reset what you’ve gained, your pride, and your ego, and to start over, straight away.
 
【1.5th蛙の悪戯】 → Negative, yet realistic emotions in everyday life, such as sad events and unexpected misfortunes.
 
Please tell us about the artwork and any other production efforts for both of your EP’s.
【1st蛙の詩】 On the cover, Jack-©︎ is observing us humans in the rain, and on the back, we have included a hopeful image of sunshine after the rain.
 
【1.5th蛙の悪戯】  Jack-©︎ stands in the street with the colors reversed. He’s looking at the  other side of the world.
 
→ 1.蛙の詩
The world is full of complaints, yet despair and hope are linked with each other. This song tells you, no matter how you feel, you always can make a fresh start and try again.  
 
→ 2.Llluvia
Creatures that humans treat with a convenient interpretation is usually done by human pattern is drawn from differing perspectives.
 
→ 3.耳カラ脳ヘ
You who behave pleasantly in everyday life.
You who are obsessed with meaningless envy and information manipulation.
The stimulus melody given to your mind via this song surely breaks your stress.
 
→ 4.ハルガサク
Like a flower that blooms around…
The proof of our lives continues to bloom in our memories.
 
→ 5.オタマジャクシの詩。
The things we’ve gained and lost.
We were upbeat and depressed.
Plus or minus 0.
From today, let’s live well again!
 
→ 1.  Tranquilio
–Show your fists, not words.–
Aggressive and emotional.
An authentic rock number.
 
→ 2.  20% FORECAST
-Sun then rain, then…–
Funky & groovy sounds.
It’s a POP SONG that shakes your body.
 
→ 3.  僕らはみんな観ている
–When you look into the abyss, the abyss is looking at you.–
A dark side mid-tune song with aggressive sounds and solid lyricism.
 
→ 4.  Social Minority
-D-on’t stop, go where the impulse leads you.-
This is a new level rock number with epic melodies and dramatic developments.
 
→ 5.  他人には見えない力で動いてる
–To the unseen you, who keeps doing your best. –
You know, I’ve got an upper sound that I’ve been working on.
A powerful, straightforward ale song!
 
→ 6.  悪魔の子
-Happiness is like a bubble that disappears when you cross a line.-
A lyrical message song that questions modern society.
 
What is your favorite music genre?
AME OTOKO AME → J-POP
 
Ari’S → Rock, metal, anime music, classics and everything in between.
 
Sola → I like listening to rock music, anything loud, anime songs, electro, etc.
Basically, I like a whole lot of different things, but mainly quiet and dark music.
 
What are your favorite bands?
AME OTOKO AME → My absolute favorite is X JAPAN.
 
Ari’S →  Recently I have found myself listening to Band-MAID.
 
Sola →  Some of my favorite bands include, Chouchou, Radiohead, 光田康典, ClariS, amazarashi etc. As for Visual Kei, I have found myself listening to Kizu a lot.
 
What is your favorite local food?
AME OTOKO AME →  Soba noodles.
 
Ari’S → Sanzoku-yaki is my favorite local food.
 
Sola →  I also like Soba noodles.
 
What is your favorite drink?
AME OTOKO AME → My favorite drink is black coffee.
 
Ari’S →  Mine’s whiskey.
 
Sola →  Lately, I’ve been drinking non-sugar latte coffee.
 
What are your hobbies?
AME OTOKO AME → I’m really into watching movies.
 
Ari’S → My hobby is that I’m into gaming.
 
Sola → Not much, I like to collect clothes and manga and I like to watch anime.
 
What makes you smile? 
AME OTOKO AME → People make me smile. 
 
Ari’S → Mo—ne–y♡money。
 
Sola → Cute people/characters and Alcohol
 
What’s your own habitat? 
AME OTOKO AME → My habit is that I like to act suspicious.
 
Ari’S →  I have lots of habits, but I always try to care about people’s opinions, so I am mindful.
 
Sola → Being Dark-hearted, unpredictable, fickle.
 
Where is your favorite place in Nagano Prefecture?
AME OTOKO AME → My house.
 
Ari’S → I like the countryside and the mountains of Nagano Prefecture.
 
Sola → The places where I can feel the beauty of trees, forests and mountains are my favorite places.
How would you like your fans to support you? What is the most important thing you want to receive?
AME OTOKO AME → We’re very happy when people like our songs, and it’s very rewarding.
 
Ari’S → We’re very happy when people try to get to know us and tell us what they think of our music in their words.
 
Sola → We’re happy when people express themselves honestly in words, or when they like and retweet us. It’s best to be able to convey excitement through sound and appearance.
 
How do you feel that you also have foreign fans?
AME OTOKO AME → I feel Ve-r-y happy about it! 
 
Ari’S → We are just grateful that you found us before we even started!
 
Sola → I’m very happy! Someday I hope to meet you in person.
 
Corona is a global problem today. How do you, as an artist, face it?
AME OTOKO AME →  We’d like to put more effort into our video productions, so that we can present RANA on the internet in a style for when we don’t have the opportunity to present our music in front of so many people.
 
Ari’S → I think that the conventional wisdom of the entertainment industry will not be accepted at all in this day and age, so we have no choice but to continue to search for entertainment that meets the needs of the times.
 
Sola → Of course, we will make efforts to control the infection, but we would like to continue to communicate with our fans without losing against the virus. 
 
What’s RANA’s ultimate goal for the future?
AME OTOKO AME → Making a living out of music.
 
Ari’S →  World domination!
 
Sola →   I would like to tour and perform at big halls, we’d like to one day tour abroad too.
 
Why do you think we should listen to RANA? What do you think is unique about RANA that other artists don’t have?
We are not limited only to just Visual Kei, our music is pure, free and has lots of diversity. 
 
Do you have any beliefs or mottos for your fans as an artist?
AME OTOKO AME →  I want to be an artist who can gently push those who want to live positively.
 
Ari’S → I would be happy if I can be the energy to live tomorrow for you. For me, your smiling face gives me the energy to live for tomorrow.
 
Sola → Give color to your days, put your fantasies in reality, music will snuggle up your loneliness. 
 
We came to the end, please give your final message to your fans. 
AME OTOKO AME → As RANA we are a newcomer in the music scene,, so please give us you support. 
 
Ari’S → We’re not able to do our activities as much as we would like because of the constant holding down, but we definitely do anything to be able to meet you, so please come to meet us! 
 
Sola → thank you for taking the time to read this interview. Hopefully we will be able to meet more and more people. We will do our very best to make you love us even more!
 
 

Thanks to @Katt for the grammar/spell check!
 
Read on jrockrnoll
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-rana/3/
 

RANA, thank you very much for accepting this interview! 
 
To know you a little bit better, please introduce each other with a funny comment.
 
Vo. AME OTOKO AME (雨男雨) ↓
Ari’S is a multi-talented guitarist who can do everything and anything.
Sola is a drummer with a five-dimensional sensibility. 
 
Gt. Ari’S ↓
AME OTOKO AME, is a serious, stoic and seamless person. But he is also cute and unexpected too. Funnily enough, when he’s drunk, you can have more mature conversations with him.
Sola, is a natural and easy-going person, but he sees people and things in a different way that makes him dependable. When he’s drunk, he likes to act like a sumo wrestler.
 
Dr. Sola (昊) ↓
AME OTOKO AME, is sensitive and stoic. He is quite versatile as he can compose and write lyrics and draw oil paintings. He is also very  mischievous when he drinks.
Ari’S, he is outspoken and an honest person, and on top of that, he has great talking skills.
 
Japanese contains a lot of Kanji, so which Kanji would you give to RANA? 
【真】[Truth] One’s true self, “truth”, is an attitude that we all share.
Also it can mean that we are a band that pursues the creation of great and pure music.
 
Also which Kanji would you choose to express yourself?
 
AME OTOKO AME →  【雨】 Rain, I have a gloomy personality.
 
Ari’S → 【無】 Nothing, No waste, no pressure, nothing at all…
 
Sola → 【心】 Heart/spirit, Even when playing music, it’s the most important thing to live as a person.
 
Please tell us about your encounter, how did you all meet?  
When frogman Jack-©︎ and AME OTOKO AME met each other, they talked about the need for musical notes “rain” to bring inside the modern world and so they planned to start a band to bring  that kind of “rain” to the world. AME OTOKO AME asked his former band mates Ari’S and Sola to join him and so RANA was formed.
Dir&Pro. Jack-© is a frog, right? Why does Jack-© look like a frog? Explain a bit more about the image of Jack-©.
We don’t know if he is a human being who has turned into a frog, we don’t know if humans are disguised like frogs, honestly, we don’t know the truth I guess you could say? But he is the planner of RANA and he’s the one in charge of us behind the scenes. 
 
What was the reason why you became a bandman? Was there anybody who inspired you to become one? 
AME OTOKO AME → I thought it would be lots of fun, I like hide and Ulfuls (ウルフルズ). 
 
Ari’S → The first band I copied was SHAKALABBITS, and that was really fun.
 
Sola → I love music and music saved my life. I started playing drums naturally because I loved to beat to the rhythm of music. The band who inspired me firstly would be the German heavy metal band HELLOWEEN.
 
Being a bandman isn’t always easy so, what’s the most difficult thing about being a bandman?
AME OTOKO AME → Mental strength.
 
Ari’S →  I guess for me, it would be to stay motivated?
 
Sola → To earn money and to stay alive?
 
RANA has an interesting worldview, so could you tell us a little bit more about RANA’s worldview?
The perspective of humans and other living things and “rain” is also an important keyword. While “rain” seems a bit negative and depressing to modern people, everything is inextricably linked to each other, and because there is something negative, there is also a positive. If we can see it all in such a kind of “light“, the message is that “negative” isn’t just always something “negative“.
 
Why did you decide to use “RANA” as a band name? And what does it actually mean? 
Rana is the human condition from a perspective that crosses the boundaries of living things. In keeping with that theme, we could have also used any non-human creature.
 
AME OTOKO AME → So the word RANA felt right. 
 
Your costumes look trendy, so what about your costumes for RANA? How do you decide?
We choose the ones that fit our music, based on fashion trends.
 
Due to Corona your activities and appearances of live shows have been postponed. What would you want to accomplish when you finally can stand on stage? 
AME OTOKO AME → I want to increase the number of fans we have in an audience!
 
Ari’S → Our first step is to make our lives a success. Then the next step is stepping up higher!
 
Sola → It would be nice to have an environment where we can enjoy our live shows as we did before, but it will be difficult to do that for at least a while. But we won’t let that stop us from performing even better and we want to give everyone better shows than before. 
 
Being on stage, what’s the best part of it?
AME OTOKO AME → The best part of being on stage for me is  pouring out a song with a strong message and a hard sound. Also to introduce ambient surround synths, which is rare in live houses which expands the range of sound expressions.
 
Ari’S →  For me, it’s when i’m faced with lots of smiles and when I’m covered in sweat!
 
Sola →  I like it when there is a vibe, with intensity the genuine feel of live sounds. The drums in particular are an instrument that directly expresses emotions, and I want you to experience it for yourself.
 
What’s your biggest inspiration for making music?
AME OTOKO AME → Happiness, anger, sorrow and joy.
 
Ari’S → When you find preciousness in your everyday life.
 
Sola → Both sides of Sorrow and anguish, Ugly parts such as outrageous incidents and beautiful parts such as nature, art, and human goodness.
 
How do you decide on the title of your new song?
AME OTOKO AME → We decide by trying to be as original as possible.
 
Please give us some fun comments about the release of your 1st EP “蛙の詩” and 1.5 EP “蛙の悪戯”.
【蛙の詩】 Is our first release, so we thought a lot about the band and the message we wished to convey, and we made it.
 
【蛙の悪戯】 We created this EP during the Corona restrainment period. We did the entire process online, from arranging to mastering, also it was a good period to test the band’s teamwork.
 
Please tell me about the composition of the EP. How did you write and create the new songs?
AME OTOKO AME →  We composed the EP by using smartphone voice memos and D.A.W.’s (Digital Audio Workspace).
 
Do you have any fun comment to tell about your MV’s to “蛙の悪戯” and “蛙の詩”?
蛙の詩 is the front side, 蛙の悪戯 the back side of our image.
For the MV’s, we had a meeting with the director and left everything up to his own imagination. 
 
Why did you choose the titles “蛙の詩(Frog Poem)” and “蛙の悪戯 (Frog Mischief)” for your 1st EP and 1.5 EP?
AME OTOKO AME ↓
1st → The title track [蛙の詩(Frog poem)] is used as it is.
 
1.5th → Since the theme is unhappiness, it’s a mischievous frog who can be compared to God’s mischief.
 
What was your main inspiration for both EP’s?
AME OTOKO AME ↓
【1st蛙の詩】→ The desire to reset what you’ve gained, your pride, and your ego, and to start over, straight away.
 
【1.5th蛙の悪戯】 → Negative, yet realistic emotions in everyday life, such as sad events and unexpected misfortunes.
 
Please tell us about the artwork and any other production efforts for both of your EP’s.
【1st蛙の詩】 On the cover, Jack-©︎ is observing us humans in the rain, and on the back, we have included a hopeful image of sunshine after the rain.
 
【1.5th蛙の悪戯】  Jack-©︎ stands in the street with the colors reversed. He’s looking at the  other side of the world.
 
→ 1.蛙の詩
The world is full of complaints, yet despair and hope are linked with each other. This song tells you, no matter how you feel, you always can make a fresh start and try again.  
 
→ 2.Llluvia
Creatures that humans treat with a convenient interpretation is usually done by human pattern is drawn from differing perspectives.
 
→ 3.耳カラ脳ヘ
You who behave pleasantly in everyday life.
You who are obsessed with meaningless envy and information manipulation.
The stimulus melody given to your mind via this song surely breaks your stress.
 
→ 4.ハルガサク
Like a flower that blooms around…
The proof of our lives continues to bloom in our memories.
 
→ 5.オタマジャクシの詩。
The things we’ve gained and lost.
We were upbeat and depressed.
Plus or minus 0.
From today, let’s live well again!
 
→ 1.  Tranquilio
–Show your fists, not words.–
Aggressive and emotional.
An authentic rock number.
 
→ 2.  20% FORECAST
-Sun then rain, then…–
Funky & groovy sounds.
It’s a POP SONG that shakes your body.
 
→ 3.  僕らはみんな観ている
–When you look into the abyss, the abyss is looking at you.–
A dark side mid-tune song with aggressive sounds and solid lyricism.
 
→ 4.  Social Minority
-D-on’t stop, go where the impulse leads you.-
This is a new level rock number with epic melodies and dramatic developments.
 
→ 5.  他人には見えない力で動いてる
–To the unseen you, who keeps doing your best. –
You know, I’ve got an upper sound that I’ve been working on.
A powerful, straightforward ale song!
 
→ 6.  悪魔の子
-Happiness is like a bubble that disappears when you cross a line.-
A lyrical message song that questions modern society.
 
What is your favorite music genre?
AME OTOKO AME → J-POP
 
Ari’S → Rock, metal, anime music, classics and everything in between.
 
Sola → I like listening to rock music, anything loud, anime songs, electro, etc.
Basically, I like a whole lot of different things, but mainly quiet and dark music.
 
What are your favorite bands?
AME OTOKO AME → My absolute favorite is X JAPAN.
 
Ari’S →  Recently I have found myself listening to Band-MAID.
 
Sola →  Some of my favorite bands include, Chouchou, Radiohead, 光田康典, ClariS, amazarashi etc. As for Visual Kei, I have found myself listening to Kizu a lot.
 
What is your favorite local food?
AME OTOKO AME →  Soba noodles.
 
Ari’S → Sanzoku-yaki is my favorite local food.
 
Sola →  I also like Soba noodles.
 
What is your favorite drink?
AME OTOKO AME → My favorite drink is black coffee.
 
Ari’S →  Mine’s whiskey.
 
Sola →  Lately, I’ve been drinking non-sugar latte coffee.
 
What are your hobbies?
AME OTOKO AME → I’m really into watching movies.
 
Ari’S → My hobby is that I’m into gaming.
 
Sola → Not much, I like to collect clothes and manga and I like to watch anime.
 
What makes you smile? 
AME OTOKO AME → People make me smile. 
 
Ari’S → Mo—ne–y♡money。
 
Sola → Cute people/characters and Alcohol
 
What’s your own habitat? 
AME OTOKO AME → My habit is that I like to act suspicious.
 
Ari’S →  I have lots of habits, but I always try to care about people’s opinions, so I am mindful.
 
Sola → Being Dark-hearted, unpredictable, fickle.
 
Where is your favorite place in Nagano Prefecture?
AME OTOKO AME → My house.
 
Ari’S → I like the countryside and the mountains of Nagano Prefecture.
 
Sola → The places where I can feel the beauty of trees, forests and mountains are my favorite places.
How would you like your fans to support you? What is the most important thing you want to receive?
AME OTOKO AME → We’re very happy when people like our songs, and it’s very rewarding.
 
Ari’S → We’re very happy when people try to get to know us and tell us what they think of our music in their words.
 
Sola → We’re happy when people express themselves honestly in words, or when they like and retweet us. It’s best to be able to convey excitement through sound and appearance.
 
How do you feel that you also have foreign fans?
AME OTOKO AME → I feel Ve-r-y happy about it! 
 
Ari’S → We are just grateful that you found us before we even started!
 
Sola → I’m very happy! Someday I hope to meet you in person.
 
Corona is a global problem today. How do you, as an artist, face it?
AME OTOKO AME →  We’d like to put more effort into our video productions, so that we can present RANA on the internet in a style for when we don’t have the opportunity to present our music in front of so many people.
 
Ari’S → I think that the conventional wisdom of the entertainment industry will not be accepted at all in this day and age, so we have no choice but to continue to search for entertainment that meets the needs of the times.
 
Sola → Of course, we will make efforts to control the infection, but we would like to continue to communicate with our fans without losing against the virus. 
 
What’s RANA’s ultimate goal for the future?
AME OTOKO AME → Making a living out of music.
 
Ari’S →  World domination!
 
Sola →   I would like to tour and perform at big halls, we’d like to one day tour abroad too.
 
Why do you think we should listen to RANA? What do you think is unique about RANA that other artists don’t have?
We are not limited only to just Visual Kei, our music is pure, free and has lots of diversity. 
 
Do you have any beliefs or mottos for your fans as an artist?
AME OTOKO AME →  I want to be an artist who can gently push those who want to live positively.
 
Ari’S → I would be happy if I can be the energy to live tomorrow for you. For me, your smiling face gives me the energy to live for tomorrow.
 
Sola → Give color to your days, put your fantasies in reality, music will snuggle up your loneliness. 
 
We came to the end, please give your final message to your fans. 
AME OTOKO AME → As RANA we are a newcomer in the music scene,, so please give us you support. 
 
Ari’S → We’re not able to do our activities as much as we would like because of the constant holding down, but we definitely do anything to be able to meet you, so please come to meet us! 
 
Sola → thank you for taking the time to read this interview. Hopefully we will be able to meet more and more people. We will do our very best to make you love us even more!
 
 

Thanks to @Katt for the grammar/spell check!
 
Read on jrockrnoll
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-rana/3/
 

RANA, thank you very much for accepting this interview! 
 
To know you a little bit better, please introduce each other with a funny comment.
 
Vo. AME OTOKO AME (雨男雨) ↓
Ari’S is a multi-talented guitarist who can do everything and anything.
Sola is a drummer with a five-dimensional sensibility. 
 
Gt. Ari’S ↓
AME OTOKO AME, is a serious, stoic and seamless person. But he is also cute and unexpected too. Funnily enough, when he’s drunk, you can have more mature conversations with him.
Sola, is a natural and easy-going person, but he sees people and things in a different way that makes him dependable. When he’s drunk, he likes to act like a sumo wrestler.
 
Dr. Sola (昊) ↓
AME OTOKO AME, is sensitive and stoic. He is quite versatile as he can compose and write lyrics and draw oil paintings. He is also very  mischievous when he drinks.
Ari’S, he is outspoken and an honest person, and on top of that, he has great talking skills.
 
Japanese contains a lot of Kanji, so which Kanji would you give to RANA? 
【真】[Truth] One’s true self, “truth”, is an attitude that we all share.
Also it can mean that we are a band that pursues the creation of great and pure music.
 
Also which Kanji would you choose to express yourself?
 
AME OTOKO AME →  【雨】 Rain, I have a gloomy personality.
 
Ari’S → 【無】 Nothing, No waste, no pressure, nothing at all…
 
Sola → 【心】 Heart/spirit, Even when playing music, it’s the most important thing to live as a person.
 
Please tell us about your encounter, how did you all meet?  
When frogman Jack-©︎ and AME OTOKO AME met each other, they talked about the need for musical notes “rain” to bring inside the modern world and so they planned to start a band to bring  that kind of “rain” to the world. AME OTOKO AME asked his former band mates Ari’S and Sola to join him and so RANA was formed.
Dir&Pro. Jack-© is a frog, right? Why does Jack-© look like a frog? Explain a bit more about the image of Jack-©.
We don’t know if he is a human being who has turned into a frog, we don’t know if humans are disguised like frogs, honestly, we don’t know the truth I guess you could say? But he is the planner of RANA and he’s the one in charge of us behind the scenes. 
 
What was the reason why you became a bandman? Was there anybody who inspired you to become one? 
AME OTOKO AME → I thought it would be lots of fun, I like hide and Ulfuls (ウルフルズ). 
 
Ari’S → The first band I copied was SHAKALABBITS, and that was really fun.
 
Sola → I love music and music saved my life. I started playing drums naturally because I loved to beat to the rhythm of music. The band who inspired me firstly would be the German heavy metal band HELLOWEEN.
 
Being a bandman isn’t always easy so, what’s the most difficult thing about being a bandman?
AME OTOKO AME → Mental strength.
 
Ari’S →  I guess for me, it would be to stay motivated?
 
Sola → To earn money and to stay alive?
 
RANA has an interesting worldview, so could you tell us a little bit more about RANA’s worldview?
The perspective of humans and other living things and “rain” is also an important keyword. While “rain” seems a bit negative and depressing to modern people, everything is inextricably linked to each other, and because there is something negative, there is also a positive. If we can see it all in such a kind of “light“, the message is that “negative” isn’t just always something “negative“.
 
Why did you decide to use “RANA” as a band name? And what does it actually mean? 
Rana is the human condition from a perspective that crosses the boundaries of living things. In keeping with that theme, we could have also used any non-human creature.
 
AME OTOKO AME → So the word RANA felt right. 
 
Your costumes look trendy, so what about your costumes for RANA? How do you decide?
We choose the ones that fit our music, based on fashion trends.
 
Due to Corona your activities and appearances of live shows have been postponed. What would you want to accomplish when you finally can stand on stage? 
AME OTOKO AME → I want to increase the number of fans we have in an audience!
 
Ari’S → Our first step is to make our lives a success. Then the next step is stepping up higher!
 
Sola → It would be nice to have an environment where we can enjoy our live shows as we did before, but it will be difficult to do that for at least a while. But we won’t let that stop us from performing even better and we want to give everyone better shows than before. 
 
Being on stage, what’s the best part of it?
AME OTOKO AME → The best part of being on stage for me is  pouring out a song with a strong message and a hard sound. Also to introduce ambient surround synths, which is rare in live houses which expands the range of sound expressions.
 
Ari’S →  For me, it’s when i’m faced with lots of smiles and when I’m covered in sweat!
 
Sola →  I like it when there is a vibe, with intensity the genuine feel of live sounds. The drums in particular are an instrument that directly expresses emotions, and I want you to experience it for yourself.
 
What’s your biggest inspiration for making music?
AME OTOKO AME → Happiness, anger, sorrow and joy.
 
Ari’S → When you find preciousness in your everyday life.
 
Sola → Both sides of Sorrow and anguish, Ugly parts such as outrageous incidents and beautiful parts such as nature, art, and human goodness.
 
How do you decide on the title of your new song?
AME OTOKO AME → We decide by trying to be as original as possible.
 
Please give us some fun comments about the release of your 1st EP “蛙の詩” and 1.5 EP “蛙の悪戯”.
【蛙の詩】 Is our first release, so we thought a lot about the band and the message we wished to convey, and we made it.
 
【蛙の悪戯】 We created this EP during the Corona restrainment period. We did the entire process online, from arranging to mastering, also it was a good period to test the band’s teamwork.
 
Please tell me about the composition of the EP. How did you write and create the new songs?
AME OTOKO AME →  We composed the EP by using smartphone voice memos and D.A.W.’s (Digital Audio Workspace).
 
Do you have any fun comment to tell about your MV’s to “蛙の悪戯” and “蛙の詩”?
蛙の詩 is the front side, 蛙の悪戯 the back side of our image.
For the MV’s, we had a meeting with the director and left everything up to his own imagination. 
 
Why did you choose the titles “蛙の詩(Frog Poem)” and “蛙の悪戯 (Frog Mischief)” for your 1st EP and 1.5 EP?
AME OTOKO AME ↓
1st → The title track [蛙の詩(Frog poem)] is used as it is.
 
1.5th → Since the theme is unhappiness, it’s a mischievous frog who can be compared to God’s mischief.
 
What was your main inspiration for both EP’s?
AME OTOKO AME ↓
【1st蛙の詩】→ The desire to reset what you’ve gained, your pride, and your ego, and to start over, straight away.
 
【1.5th蛙の悪戯】 → Negative, yet realistic emotions in everyday life, such as sad events and unexpected misfortunes.
 
Please tell us about the artwork and any other production efforts for both of your EP’s.
【1st蛙の詩】 On the cover, Jack-©︎ is observing us humans in the rain, and on the back, we have included a hopeful image of sunshine after the rain.
 
【1.5th蛙の悪戯】  Jack-©︎ stands in the street with the colors reversed. He’s looking at the  other side of the world.
 
→ 1.蛙の詩
The world is full of complaints, yet despair and hope are linked with each other. This song tells you, no matter how you feel, you always can make a fresh start and try again.  
 
→ 2.Llluvia
Creatures that humans treat with a convenient interpretation is usually done by human pattern is drawn from differing perspectives.
 
→ 3.耳カラ脳ヘ
You who behave pleasantly in everyday life.
You who are obsessed with meaningless envy and information manipulation.
The stimulus melody given to your mind via this song surely breaks your stress.
 
→ 4.ハルガサク
Like a flower that blooms around…
The proof of our lives continues to bloom in our memories.
 
→ 5.オタマジャクシの詩。
The things we’ve gained and lost.
We were upbeat and depressed.
Plus or minus 0.
From today, let’s live well again!
 
→ 1.  Tranquilio
–Show your fists, not words.–
Aggressive and emotional.
An authentic rock number.
 
→ 2.  20% FORECAST
-Sun then rain, then…–
Funky & groovy sounds.
It’s a POP SONG that shakes your body.
 
→ 3.  僕らはみんな観ている
–When you look into the abyss, the abyss is looking at you.–
A dark side mid-tune song with aggressive sounds and solid lyricism.
 
→ 4.  Social Minority
-D-on’t stop, go where the impulse leads you.-
This is a new level rock number with epic melodies and dramatic developments.
 
→ 5.  他人には見えない力で動いてる
–To the unseen you, who keeps doing your best. –
You know, I’ve got an upper sound that I’ve been working on.
A powerful, straightforward ale song!
 
→ 6.  悪魔の子
-Happiness is like a bubble that disappears when you cross a line.-
A lyrical message song that questions modern society.
 
What is your favorite music genre?
AME OTOKO AME → J-POP
 
Ari’S → Rock, metal, anime music, classics and everything in between.
 
Sola → I like listening to rock music, anything loud, anime songs, electro, etc.
Basically, I like a whole lot of different things, but mainly quiet and dark music.
 
What are your favorite bands?
AME OTOKO AME → My absolute favorite is X JAPAN.
 
Ari’S →  Recently I have found myself listening to Band-MAID.
 
Sola →  Some of my favorite bands include, Chouchou, Radiohead, 光田康典, ClariS, amazarashi etc. As for Visual Kei, I have found myself listening to Kizu a lot.
 
What is your favorite local food?
AME OTOKO AME →  Soba noodles.
 
Ari’S → Sanzoku-yaki is my favorite local food.
 
Sola →  I also like Soba noodles.
 
What is your favorite drink?
AME OTOKO AME → My favorite drink is black coffee.
 
Ari’S →  Mine’s whiskey.
 
Sola →  Lately, I’ve been drinking non-sugar latte coffee.
 
What are your hobbies?
AME OTOKO AME → I’m really into watching movies.
 
Ari’S → My hobby is that I’m into gaming.
 
Sola → Not much, I like to collect clothes and manga and I like to watch anime.
 
What makes you smile? 
AME OTOKO AME → People make me smile. 
 
Ari’S → Mo—ne–y♡money。
 
Sola → Cute people/characters and Alcohol
 
What’s your own habitat? 
AME OTOKO AME → My habit is that I like to act suspicious.
 
Ari’S →  I have lots of habits, but I always try to care about people’s opinions, so I am mindful.
 
Sola → Being Dark-hearted, unpredictable, fickle.
 
Where is your favorite place in Nagano Prefecture?
AME OTOKO AME → My house.
 
Ari’S → I like the countryside and the mountains of Nagano Prefecture.
 
Sola → The places where I can feel the beauty of trees, forests and mountains are my favorite places.
How would you like your fans to support you? What is the most important thing you want to receive?
AME OTOKO AME → We’re very happy when people like our songs, and it’s very rewarding.
 
Ari’S → We’re very happy when people try to get to know us and tell us what they think of our music in their words.
 
Sola → We’re happy when people express themselves honestly in words, or when they like and retweet us. It’s best to be able to convey excitement through sound and appearance.
 
How do you feel that you also have foreign fans?
AME OTOKO AME → I feel Ve-r-y happy about it! 
 
Ari’S → We are just grateful that you found us before we even started!
 
Sola → I’m very happy! Someday I hope to meet you in person.
 
Corona is a global problem today. How do you, as an artist, face it?
AME OTOKO AME →  We’d like to put more effort into our video productions, so that we can present RANA on the internet in a style for when we don’t have the opportunity to present our music in front of so many people.
 
Ari’S → I think that the conventional wisdom of the entertainment industry will not be accepted at all in this day and age, so we have no choice but to continue to search for entertainment that meets the needs of the times.
 
Sola → Of course, we will make efforts to control the infection, but we would like to continue to communicate with our fans without losing against the virus. 
 
What’s RANA’s ultimate goal for the future?
AME OTOKO AME → Making a living out of music.
 
Ari’S →  World domination!
 
Sola →   I would like to tour and perform at big halls, we’d like to one day tour abroad too.
 
Why do you think we should listen to RANA? What do you think is unique about RANA that other artists don’t have?
We are not limited only to just Visual Kei, our music is pure, free and has lots of diversity. 
 
Do you have any beliefs or mottos for your fans as an artist?
AME OTOKO AME →  I want to be an artist who can gently push those who want to live positively.
 
Ari’S → I would be happy if I can be the energy to live tomorrow for you. For me, your smiling face gives me the energy to live for tomorrow.
 
Sola → Give color to your days, put your fantasies in reality, music will snuggle up your loneliness. 
 
We came to the end, please give your final message to your fans. 
AME OTOKO AME → As RANA we are a newcomer in the music scene,, so please give us you support. 
 
Ari’S → We’re not able to do our activities as much as we would like because of the constant holding down, but we definitely do anything to be able to meet you, so please come to meet us! 
 
Sola → thank you for taking the time to read this interview. Hopefully we will be able to meet more and more people. We will do our very best to make you love us even more!
 
 

this was one of the best interviews so far! thanks for doing the god's work m(_ _)m
 
 
 
my fav parts xD ❤️
(and yes, Rei, you can touch my boobs whenever you want 💋)

Thanks to @Katt for some "question help and spell/grammar check!"
 
You can read this interview also on J'ROCK'N'ROLL!!
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-nightingeil/3/
 
Japanese version
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-nightingeil/2/
 
-----------------
 
 
We are living in a global pandemic, so how are you currently dealing with the corona issue?
 
Vo. Kon: I just leave the global corona problem to the experts.
Gt. Kaie: I’m soooo tired of it.
Gt. Nao: I’m taking more precautions than just following the general measures.
Ba. Rei: I don’t take any special measures, because I think, if you get it, you’ll get it. 
Dr. Hakuya: I just endure it, and I’m aware of myself to stay safe and healthy.
 
Japan is full of Kanji, so how would you describe NightingeiL with just using one Kanji?
 
Kon: 傷 (kizu, scar): I guess because we are a naive and sensitive band.
Kaie:血(chi, blood): Because it’s or underlying concept.
Nao: 色 (iro, color): We have a dark image, but we have different nuances in various aspects.
Rei: 闇(yami, darkness): Because we are a two faces band
Hakuya: 夜 (yoru, night): It’s the opposite of the brightness of the day, we as a band can live without light as a nocturnal character.
 
And how would you describe yourself with just one Kanji?
 
Kon: 無 (Mu,nothing) Because I want to think about anything at all.
Kaie: 楽 (Raku, easy) Because I am an optimistic person.
Nao: 猫 (neko, cat) Because I can’t live without this creature.
Rei: 陰 (Yin,shadow) Because I’m a gloomy person.
Hakuya: 喰 (Ku, eat): LIVE is a one-shot soul life, I’m performing on stage with the intention of eating and swallowing everything!
 

 
In 2012 you disbanded once, and in 2017 you guys returned back, has anything changed?
 
Kon: We had a member change and we are a 5 member band now, also what we want to express has expanded with those changes.
Kaie: To me it feels as if we started a brand new story.
Nao: Of course the members changed, but I don’t think that the inner core of NightingeiL has changed.
Rei: The color of Solei has become darker.
Hakuya: We understand each other better and also our new members own input of their sound and entanglements ideas.  
 
Why did you decide to use the name NightingeiL as a band name?
 
Kon: We chose the name NightingeiL to express life, love and death.
 
What made you decide to use your stage name?
 
Kon: I can’t remember it anymore, I chose it too long ago.
Kaie: A character in the manga To-y is also called Kaie.
Nao: It’s a part of my real name.
Rei: My name is of no particular origin, but my fortune teller advised me to change my name because it doesn’t have any pluses.
Hakuya: From the anime “Bleach” from Byakuya Kuchiki, the first captain.
 
We are all influenced by someone or something so what are your musical influences?
 
Kon: Many bands and artists have influenced me. 
Kaie: Punk at its core, also hard rock and positive punk. To keep it short, I like LUNA SEA.
Nao: Of course it’s Japanese visual kei music, but nowadays I don’t care much about the genre. If I think it’s good music, I’m influenced by it.
Rei: I like Zi:Kill and Merry Go Round.
Hakuya: 90s J-POP.
 
You all play an instrument (vocals included(smile)), but what made you want to play your instrument?
 
Kon: Because I didn’t have to spend money to buy an instrument.
Kaie: I just happened to be in charge of it.
Nao: My dad had a guitar at home.
Rei: I’ll skip answering this question because it’s an impure motive.
Hakuya: My parents played the drums as a hobby, so we had a drum set at home, so also I started to play the drums for fun. 
 
So please tell us which type of instrument you use. 
 
Kon: I’m using SHURE BETA58A. 
Kaie: The tones I play are almost straight from the amp. 
Nao: The current guitar I use is one I painted myself.
Rei: I’m using Warwick JAZZMAN.
Hakuya:  My drum set: TAMAdrums starclassicBirch.
Hardware: TAMAdrums
Cymbals: Zildjancymbals
Twin Pedals : AMAHA FP9310
 
Talking about memories, what are some of your favorite memories?
 
Kon: Our emotions after we finish recording together..
Kaie: Can’t choose, so I guess all of them.
Nao: Our live shows and also our daily life together.
Rei: That I am finally able to perform with the legends which I saw in magazines as a junior and High school student. 
Hakuya: Our live shows at big venues and touring around.
 
You’ve been in the music industry for a long time, so what has changed the most since the start of your career?
 
Kon: I stopped to compare my own band with other bands.
Kaie: I don’t have too many expectations anymore.
Nao: We don’t have to be bound by certain stereotypes anymore, we can express ourselves in different ways.
Rei: Our hair was up to our waists, however now our haircuts are shorter. 
Hakuya: Our music and attitude towards the band and how to enjoy it has changed.
 
And what’s the secret to staying active for so long?
 
Kon: It’s finding the good balance between yourself and bandmates, also too keep up a healthy distance between each other.
Kaie: Because I love what I do and because we have people who support us.
Nao: We love our music and we respect each other, which leads to good relationships between each other.
Rei: We don’t get into conflicts easily because we don’t play as a band on a regular basis.
Hakuya: The most important thing above all is that we all love playing music and we are having lots of fun while doing it. 
 
Which song do you think is most popular under fans and what’s your own favorite song?
 
Kon: Our most popular song is “吊り下げの恋”. And my own favorite is “その手”
Kaie: I guess that our most popular song is “吊り下げの恋” and “白い森”. My personal favoriets are “その手” and “彼女と空腹” 
Nao: There are various of popular songs “吊り下げの恋” “12秒間” and “水銀”, but my own favorite is “孤島の彼女”
Rei: “吊り下げの恋” a song which is easy understand, so it’s loved by many people. My own favorite is “孤島の彼女”. 
Hakuya: 歪んで走る and 身代わりの人
 
You have a lot of introspective lyrics, where do you get your inspiration for writing lyrics?
 
Kon: I take inspiration from everything that happens in my life.
How do you write and compose your songs?
Kaie: We bring our ideas to the studio, and turn them into a real song together.
Nao: When we write a song idea, we turn it together into a song.
Rei: Based on our ideas, we create the final song together in the studio. 
 
How has your songwriting changed as you have gotten older?
 
Kon: If you wonder about the lyrics, they haven’t changed.
Kaie: Basically, I haven’t changed at all.
Nao: WE haven’t made any big changes, but we’re not trying to omit them with negative energy, but we’re trying to affirm them and trying to absorb them. 
Rei: It’s getting simpler.
 
Due to Corona, you weren’t able to perform live earlier this year.  How has this affected you? How did you deal with it?
 
Kon: No, problem at all, we didn’t have any live show planned.
Kaie: We’re just in the middle of a hiatus, so…
Nao: We weren’t able to make any plans originally, so it didn’t really affect us.
Rei: It didn’t interfere with NightingeiL’s activities, so I just gave my dogs attention during the self-restraint period. 
Hakuya: I’ve been doing some personal activities, so I was able to perform live. However I wasn’t able to do any activities for about 3 months during the self-restraint period, so in that meanwhile I just practiced at home. 
 
When you are standing on stage, do you face any challenges?
 
Kon: I’m always wondering how I can betray my audience in a good way. 
Kaie: To keep doing stuff easygoing, just to be natural and not being afraid of what I’m doing. 
Nao: Just to have fun. 
Rei: I always feel sorry for my dog to let her stay alone at home.
Hakuya: To stay calm, if you stay calm you are able to enjoy the live show.
 
Why is it important for (rock) bands to play lives?
 
Kon: To feel alive.
Kaie: Because it’s fun.
Nao: It’s the most fun to do and more importantly it’s not only fun with the members but also with the audience. 
Rei: It’s a great way to earn money.
Hakuya: We want people to see us because we’re alive.
 
What’s the most important thing that has happened to you in your music career so far?
 
Kon: Being into this current state now. 
Kaie: To be able to meet a lot of people.
Nao: That I am blessed with my musical friends.
Rei: Everything.
Hakuya: Playing with my favorite artists and supporting them.
 
Some years have passed since your last release, can we expect a new release soon?
 
Kon: If it’s expected we’ll release it, we are also considering digital distribution. 
Kaie: We’re looking at it positively!
Nao: Maybe yes, maybe no, I’ll give my best.
Rei: Would love so.
Hakuya: We’re currently considering it.
 
What’s the biggest challenge of being a musician?
 
Kon: To stay yourself.
Kaie: To absorb things without losing yourself.
Nao: How to deal with music.  
Rei: To not get fat and not to age (becoming unattractive). 
Hakuya: To keep loving and enjoying it. 
 

 
Have you ever thought about performing overseas as NightingeiL?
 
Kon: If you have an offer for us, we’d love to consider it!
Kaie: I would love to go abroad!
Nao: Currently not.
Rei: It’s hard because it makes me feel homesick. 
Hakuya: I always wanted to go abroad.
 
Kaie tweets a lot of anime, but what are some anime’s everyone watched as a kid?
Kaie: Can’t really tell, just check out my tweets. 
 
What’s your ultimate goal for the future? 
 
Kon: Sokushinbutsu. (To become a Bhuddist mummy)
Kaie: My goal is as long as I can enjoy my life, it’s the best life I can have. 
Nao: filial piety (laugh)
Rei: To own lots of dogs.
Hakuya: To be a respected musician and not just a band member.
 
Please tell us your beliefs and/or mottos as an artist?
 
Kon: Where there is will, there is a way
Kaie: Don’t beg, win, and it will be given to you.
Nao: The first thing to do is to make something that you are convinced and confident about.
Rei: It’s going to be a long story, so we’ll have to come back to it another time.
Hakuya: I always like the drums, hit the drums, and push the ensemble to the next level.
 
Please write a last message to your fans and readers.
 
Kon: If you haven’t been exposed to the world of NightingeiL yet, this is a great moment to start.
 
Kaie: The reason why I can take it easy is because there are people who are waiting for me. I am sincerely grateful. Although we are a peculiar band, we are looking forward to your continued support.
 
Nao: Nice to meet you. My name is Nao, I play guitar in NightingeiL. Thank you for taking the time to read this interview. I hope you will continue to support us.
 
Rei: Please let me touch your boobs when we meet. (laugh)
 
Hakuya: Thank you for your support. I’ll always play the drums with my heart and soul. I will continue to play the drums, which is my life’s work, and I will continue to work hard every day to provide you with a comfortable and pleasant sound. I will continue to be a band member, musician and drummer for the rest of my life.
 
 
--
 
 

Thanks to @Katt for some "question help and spell/grammar check!"
 
You can read this interview also on J'ROCK'N'ROLL!!
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-nightingeil/3/
 
Japanese version
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-nightingeil/2/
 
-----------------
 
 
We are living in a global pandemic, so how are you currently dealing with the corona issue?
 
Vo. Kon: I just leave the global corona problem to the experts.
Gt. Kaie: I’m soooo tired of it.
Gt. Nao: I’m taking more precautions than just following the general measures.
Ba. Rei: I don’t take any special measures, because I think, if you get it, you’ll get it. 
Dr. Hakuya: I just endure it, and I’m aware of myself to stay safe and healthy.
 
Japan is full of Kanji, so how would you describe NightingeiL with just using one Kanji?
 
Kon: 傷 (kizu, scar): I guess because we are a naive and sensitive band.
Kaie:血(chi, blood): Because it’s or underlying concept.
Nao: 色 (iro, color): We have a dark image, but we have different nuances in various aspects.
Rei: 闇(yami, darkness): Because we are a two faces band
Hakuya: 夜 (yoru, night): It’s the opposite of the brightness of the day, we as a band can live without light as a nocturnal character.
 
And how would you describe yourself with just one Kanji?
 
Kon: 無 (Mu,nothing) Because I want to think about anything at all.
Kaie: 楽 (Raku, easy) Because I am an optimistic person.
Nao: 猫 (neko, cat) Because I can’t live without this creature.
Rei: 陰 (Yin,shadow) Because I’m a gloomy person.
Hakuya: 喰 (Ku, eat): LIVE is a one-shot soul life, I’m performing on stage with the intention of eating and swallowing everything!
 

 
In 2012 you disbanded once, and in 2017 you guys returned back, has anything changed?
 
Kon: We had a member change and we are a 5 member band now, also what we want to express has expanded with those changes.
Kaie: To me it feels as if we started a brand new story.
Nao: Of course the members changed, but I don’t think that the inner core of NightingeiL has changed.
Rei: The color of Solei has become darker.
Hakuya: We understand each other better and also our new members own input of their sound and entanglements ideas.  
 
Why did you decide to use the name NightingeiL as a band name?
 
Kon: We chose the name NightingeiL to express life, love and death.
 
What made you decide to use your stage name?
 
Kon: I can’t remember it anymore, I chose it too long ago.
Kaie: A character in the manga To-y is also called Kaie.
Nao: It’s a part of my real name.
Rei: My name is of no particular origin, but my fortune teller advised me to change my name because it doesn’t have any pluses.
Hakuya: From the anime “Bleach” from Byakuya Kuchiki, the first captain.
 
We are all influenced by someone or something so what are your musical influences?
 
Kon: Many bands and artists have influenced me. 
Kaie: Punk at its core, also hard rock and positive punk. To keep it short, I like LUNA SEA.
Nao: Of course it’s Japanese visual kei music, but nowadays I don’t care much about the genre. If I think it’s good music, I’m influenced by it.
Rei: I like Zi:Kill and Merry Go Round.
Hakuya: 90s J-POP.
 
You all play an instrument (vocals included(smile)), but what made you want to play your instrument?
 
Kon: Because I didn’t have to spend money to buy an instrument.
Kaie: I just happened to be in charge of it.
Nao: My dad had a guitar at home.
Rei: I’ll skip answering this question because it’s an impure motive.
Hakuya: My parents played the drums as a hobby, so we had a drum set at home, so also I started to play the drums for fun. 
 
So please tell us which type of instrument you use. 
 
Kon: I’m using SHURE BETA58A. 
Kaie: The tones I play are almost straight from the amp. 
Nao: The current guitar I use is one I painted myself.
Rei: I’m using Warwick JAZZMAN.
Hakuya:  My drum set: TAMAdrums starclassicBirch.
Hardware: TAMAdrums
Cymbals: Zildjancymbals
Twin Pedals : AMAHA FP9310
 
Talking about memories, what are some of your favorite memories?
 
Kon: Our emotions after we finish recording together..
Kaie: Can’t choose, so I guess all of them.
Nao: Our live shows and also our daily life together.
Rei: That I am finally able to perform with the legends which I saw in magazines as a junior and High school student. 
Hakuya: Our live shows at big venues and touring around.
 
You’ve been in the music industry for a long time, so what has changed the most since the start of your career?
 
Kon: I stopped to compare my own band with other bands.
Kaie: I don’t have too many expectations anymore.
Nao: We don’t have to be bound by certain stereotypes anymore, we can express ourselves in different ways.
Rei: Our hair was up to our waists, however now our haircuts are shorter. 
Hakuya: Our music and attitude towards the band and how to enjoy it has changed.
 
And what’s the secret to staying active for so long?
 
Kon: It’s finding the good balance between yourself and bandmates, also too keep up a healthy distance between each other.
Kaie: Because I love what I do and because we have people who support us.
Nao: We love our music and we respect each other, which leads to good relationships between each other.
Rei: We don’t get into conflicts easily because we don’t play as a band on a regular basis.
Hakuya: The most important thing above all is that we all love playing music and we are having lots of fun while doing it. 
 
Which song do you think is most popular under fans and what’s your own favorite song?
 
Kon: Our most popular song is “吊り下げの恋”. And my own favorite is “その手”
Kaie: I guess that our most popular song is “吊り下げの恋” and “白い森”. My personal favoriets are “その手” and “彼女と空腹” 
Nao: There are various of popular songs “吊り下げの恋” “12秒間” and “水銀”, but my own favorite is “孤島の彼女”
Rei: “吊り下げの恋” a song which is easy understand, so it’s loved by many people. My own favorite is “孤島の彼女”. 
Hakuya: 歪んで走る and 身代わりの人
 
You have a lot of introspective lyrics, where do you get your inspiration for writing lyrics?
 
Kon: I take inspiration from everything that happens in my life.
How do you write and compose your songs?
Kaie: We bring our ideas to the studio, and turn them into a real song together.
Nao: When we write a song idea, we turn it together into a song.
Rei: Based on our ideas, we create the final song together in the studio. 
 
How has your songwriting changed as you have gotten older?
 
Kon: If you wonder about the lyrics, they haven’t changed.
Kaie: Basically, I haven’t changed at all.
Nao: WE haven’t made any big changes, but we’re not trying to omit them with negative energy, but we’re trying to affirm them and trying to absorb them. 
Rei: It’s getting simpler.
 
Due to Corona, you weren’t able to perform live earlier this year.  How has this affected you? How did you deal with it?
 
Kon: No, problem at all, we didn’t have any live show planned.
Kaie: We’re just in the middle of a hiatus, so…
Nao: We weren’t able to make any plans originally, so it didn’t really affect us.
Rei: It didn’t interfere with NightingeiL’s activities, so I just gave my dogs attention during the self-restraint period. 
Hakuya: I’ve been doing some personal activities, so I was able to perform live. However I wasn’t able to do any activities for about 3 months during the self-restraint period, so in that meanwhile I just practiced at home. 
 
When you are standing on stage, do you face any challenges?
 
Kon: I’m always wondering how I can betray my audience in a good way. 
Kaie: To keep doing stuff easygoing, just to be natural and not being afraid of what I’m doing. 
Nao: Just to have fun. 
Rei: I always feel sorry for my dog to let her stay alone at home.
Hakuya: To stay calm, if you stay calm you are able to enjoy the live show.
 
Why is it important for (rock) bands to play lives?
 
Kon: To feel alive.
Kaie: Because it’s fun.
Nao: It’s the most fun to do and more importantly it’s not only fun with the members but also with the audience. 
Rei: It’s a great way to earn money.
Hakuya: We want people to see us because we’re alive.
 
What’s the most important thing that has happened to you in your music career so far?
 
Kon: Being into this current state now. 
Kaie: To be able to meet a lot of people.
Nao: That I am blessed with my musical friends.
Rei: Everything.
Hakuya: Playing with my favorite artists and supporting them.
 
Some years have passed since your last release, can we expect a new release soon?
 
Kon: If it’s expected we’ll release it, we are also considering digital distribution. 
Kaie: We’re looking at it positively!
Nao: Maybe yes, maybe no, I’ll give my best.
Rei: Would love so.
Hakuya: We’re currently considering it.
 
What’s the biggest challenge of being a musician?
 
Kon: To stay yourself.
Kaie: To absorb things without losing yourself.
Nao: How to deal with music.  
Rei: To not get fat and not to age (becoming unattractive). 
Hakuya: To keep loving and enjoying it. 
 

 
Have you ever thought about performing overseas as NightingeiL?
 
Kon: If you have an offer for us, we’d love to consider it!
Kaie: I would love to go abroad!
Nao: Currently not.
Rei: It’s hard because it makes me feel homesick. 
Hakuya: I always wanted to go abroad.
 
Kaie tweets a lot of anime, but what are some anime’s everyone watched as a kid?
Kaie: Can’t really tell, just check out my tweets. 
 
What’s your ultimate goal for the future? 
 
Kon: Sokushinbutsu. (To become a Bhuddist mummy)
Kaie: My goal is as long as I can enjoy my life, it’s the best life I can have. 
Nao: filial piety (laugh)
Rei: To own lots of dogs.
Hakuya: To be a respected musician and not just a band member.
 
Please tell us your beliefs and/or mottos as an artist?
 
Kon: Where there is will, there is a way
Kaie: Don’t beg, win, and it will be given to you.
Nao: The first thing to do is to make something that you are convinced and confident about.
Rei: It’s going to be a long story, so we’ll have to come back to it another time.
Hakuya: I always like the drums, hit the drums, and push the ensemble to the next level.
 
Please write a last message to your fans and readers.
 
Kon: If you haven’t been exposed to the world of NightingeiL yet, this is a great moment to start.
 
Kaie: The reason why I can take it easy is because there are people who are waiting for me. I am sincerely grateful. Although we are a peculiar band, we are looking forward to your continued support.
 
Nao: Nice to meet you. My name is Nao, I play guitar in NightingeiL. Thank you for taking the time to read this interview. I hope you will continue to support us.
 
Rei: Please let me touch your boobs when we meet. (laugh)
 
Hakuya: Thank you for your support. I’ll always play the drums with my heart and soul. I will continue to play the drums, which is my life’s work, and I will continue to work hard every day to provide you with a comfortable and pleasant sound. I will continue to be a band member, musician and drummer for the rest of my life.
 
 
--
 
 

Thanks to @Katt for some "question help and spell/grammar check!"
 
You can read this interview also on J'ROCK'N'ROLL!!
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-nightingeil/3/
 
Japanese version
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-nightingeil/2/
 
-----------------
 
 
We are living in a global pandemic, so how are you currently dealing with the corona issue?
 
Vo. Kon: I just leave the global corona problem to the experts.
Gt. Kaie: I’m soooo tired of it.
Gt. Nao: I’m taking more precautions than just following the general measures.
Ba. Rei: I don’t take any special measures, because I think, if you get it, you’ll get it. 
Dr. Hakuya: I just endure it, and I’m aware of myself to stay safe and healthy.
 
Japan is full of Kanji, so how would you describe NightingeiL with just using one Kanji?
 
Kon: 傷 (kizu, scar): I guess because we are a naive and sensitive band.
Kaie:血(chi, blood): Because it’s or underlying concept.
Nao: 色 (iro, color): We have a dark image, but we have different nuances in various aspects.
Rei: 闇(yami, darkness): Because we are a two faces band
Hakuya: 夜 (yoru, night): It’s the opposite of the brightness of the day, we as a band can live without light as a nocturnal character.
 
And how would you describe yourself with just one Kanji?
 
Kon: 無 (Mu,nothing) Because I want to think about anything at all.
Kaie: 楽 (Raku, easy) Because I am an optimistic person.
Nao: 猫 (neko, cat) Because I can’t live without this creature.
Rei: 陰 (Yin,shadow) Because I’m a gloomy person.
Hakuya: 喰 (Ku, eat): LIVE is a one-shot soul life, I’m performing on stage with the intention of eating and swallowing everything!
 

 
In 2012 you disbanded once, and in 2017 you guys returned back, has anything changed?
 
Kon: We had a member change and we are a 5 member band now, also what we want to express has expanded with those changes.
Kaie: To me it feels as if we started a brand new story.
Nao: Of course the members changed, but I don’t think that the inner core of NightingeiL has changed.
Rei: The color of Solei has become darker.
Hakuya: We understand each other better and also our new members own input of their sound and entanglements ideas.  
 
Why did you decide to use the name NightingeiL as a band name?
 
Kon: We chose the name NightingeiL to express life, love and death.
 
What made you decide to use your stage name?
 
Kon: I can’t remember it anymore, I chose it too long ago.
Kaie: A character in the manga To-y is also called Kaie.
Nao: It’s a part of my real name.
Rei: My name is of no particular origin, but my fortune teller advised me to change my name because it doesn’t have any pluses.
Hakuya: From the anime “Bleach” from Byakuya Kuchiki, the first captain.
 
We are all influenced by someone or something so what are your musical influences?
 
Kon: Many bands and artists have influenced me. 
Kaie: Punk at its core, also hard rock and positive punk. To keep it short, I like LUNA SEA.
Nao: Of course it’s Japanese visual kei music, but nowadays I don’t care much about the genre. If I think it’s good music, I’m influenced by it.
Rei: I like Zi:Kill and Merry Go Round.
Hakuya: 90s J-POP.
 
You all play an instrument (vocals included(smile)), but what made you want to play your instrument?
 
Kon: Because I didn’t have to spend money to buy an instrument.
Kaie: I just happened to be in charge of it.
Nao: My dad had a guitar at home.
Rei: I’ll skip answering this question because it’s an impure motive.
Hakuya: My parents played the drums as a hobby, so we had a drum set at home, so also I started to play the drums for fun. 
 
So please tell us which type of instrument you use. 
 
Kon: I’m using SHURE BETA58A. 
Kaie: The tones I play are almost straight from the amp. 
Nao: The current guitar I use is one I painted myself.
Rei: I’m using Warwick JAZZMAN.
Hakuya:  My drum set: TAMAdrums starclassicBirch.
Hardware: TAMAdrums
Cymbals: Zildjancymbals
Twin Pedals : AMAHA FP9310
 
Talking about memories, what are some of your favorite memories?
 
Kon: Our emotions after we finish recording together..
Kaie: Can’t choose, so I guess all of them.
Nao: Our live shows and also our daily life together.
Rei: That I am finally able to perform with the legends which I saw in magazines as a junior and High school student. 
Hakuya: Our live shows at big venues and touring around.
 
You’ve been in the music industry for a long time, so what has changed the most since the start of your career?
 
Kon: I stopped to compare my own band with other bands.
Kaie: I don’t have too many expectations anymore.
Nao: We don’t have to be bound by certain stereotypes anymore, we can express ourselves in different ways.
Rei: Our hair was up to our waists, however now our haircuts are shorter. 
Hakuya: Our music and attitude towards the band and how to enjoy it has changed.
 
And what’s the secret to staying active for so long?
 
Kon: It’s finding the good balance between yourself and bandmates, also too keep up a healthy distance between each other.
Kaie: Because I love what I do and because we have people who support us.
Nao: We love our music and we respect each other, which leads to good relationships between each other.
Rei: We don’t get into conflicts easily because we don’t play as a band on a regular basis.
Hakuya: The most important thing above all is that we all love playing music and we are having lots of fun while doing it. 
 
Which song do you think is most popular under fans and what’s your own favorite song?
 
Kon: Our most popular song is “吊り下げの恋”. And my own favorite is “その手”
Kaie: I guess that our most popular song is “吊り下げの恋” and “白い森”. My personal favoriets are “その手” and “彼女と空腹” 
Nao: There are various of popular songs “吊り下げの恋” “12秒間” and “水銀”, but my own favorite is “孤島の彼女”
Rei: “吊り下げの恋” a song which is easy understand, so it’s loved by many people. My own favorite is “孤島の彼女”. 
Hakuya: 歪んで走る and 身代わりの人
 
You have a lot of introspective lyrics, where do you get your inspiration for writing lyrics?
 
Kon: I take inspiration from everything that happens in my life.
How do you write and compose your songs?
Kaie: We bring our ideas to the studio, and turn them into a real song together.
Nao: When we write a song idea, we turn it together into a song.
Rei: Based on our ideas, we create the final song together in the studio. 
 
How has your songwriting changed as you have gotten older?
 
Kon: If you wonder about the lyrics, they haven’t changed.
Kaie: Basically, I haven’t changed at all.
Nao: WE haven’t made any big changes, but we’re not trying to omit them with negative energy, but we’re trying to affirm them and trying to absorb them. 
Rei: It’s getting simpler.
 
Due to Corona, you weren’t able to perform live earlier this year.  How has this affected you? How did you deal with it?
 
Kon: No, problem at all, we didn’t have any live show planned.
Kaie: We’re just in the middle of a hiatus, so…
Nao: We weren’t able to make any plans originally, so it didn’t really affect us.
Rei: It didn’t interfere with NightingeiL’s activities, so I just gave my dogs attention during the self-restraint period. 
Hakuya: I’ve been doing some personal activities, so I was able to perform live. However I wasn’t able to do any activities for about 3 months during the self-restraint period, so in that meanwhile I just practiced at home. 
 
When you are standing on stage, do you face any challenges?
 
Kon: I’m always wondering how I can betray my audience in a good way. 
Kaie: To keep doing stuff easygoing, just to be natural and not being afraid of what I’m doing. 
Nao: Just to have fun. 
Rei: I always feel sorry for my dog to let her stay alone at home.
Hakuya: To stay calm, if you stay calm you are able to enjoy the live show.
 
Why is it important for (rock) bands to play lives?
 
Kon: To feel alive.
Kaie: Because it’s fun.
Nao: It’s the most fun to do and more importantly it’s not only fun with the members but also with the audience. 
Rei: It’s a great way to earn money.
Hakuya: We want people to see us because we’re alive.
 
What’s the most important thing that has happened to you in your music career so far?
 
Kon: Being into this current state now. 
Kaie: To be able to meet a lot of people.
Nao: That I am blessed with my musical friends.
Rei: Everything.
Hakuya: Playing with my favorite artists and supporting them.
 
Some years have passed since your last release, can we expect a new release soon?
 
Kon: If it’s expected we’ll release it, we are also considering digital distribution. 
Kaie: We’re looking at it positively!
Nao: Maybe yes, maybe no, I’ll give my best.
Rei: Would love so.
Hakuya: We’re currently considering it.
 
What’s the biggest challenge of being a musician?
 
Kon: To stay yourself.
Kaie: To absorb things without losing yourself.
Nao: How to deal with music.  
Rei: To not get fat and not to age (becoming unattractive). 
Hakuya: To keep loving and enjoying it. 
 

 
Have you ever thought about performing overseas as NightingeiL?
 
Kon: If you have an offer for us, we’d love to consider it!
Kaie: I would love to go abroad!
Nao: Currently not.
Rei: It’s hard because it makes me feel homesick. 
Hakuya: I always wanted to go abroad.
 
Kaie tweets a lot of anime, but what are some anime’s everyone watched as a kid?
Kaie: Can’t really tell, just check out my tweets. 
 
What’s your ultimate goal for the future? 
 
Kon: Sokushinbutsu. (To become a Bhuddist mummy)
Kaie: My goal is as long as I can enjoy my life, it’s the best life I can have. 
Nao: filial piety (laugh)
Rei: To own lots of dogs.
Hakuya: To be a respected musician and not just a band member.
 
Please tell us your beliefs and/or mottos as an artist?
 
Kon: Where there is will, there is a way
Kaie: Don’t beg, win, and it will be given to you.
Nao: The first thing to do is to make something that you are convinced and confident about.
Rei: It’s going to be a long story, so we’ll have to come back to it another time.
Hakuya: I always like the drums, hit the drums, and push the ensemble to the next level.
 
Please write a last message to your fans and readers.
 
Kon: If you haven’t been exposed to the world of NightingeiL yet, this is a great moment to start.
 
Kaie: The reason why I can take it easy is because there are people who are waiting for me. I am sincerely grateful. Although we are a peculiar band, we are looking forward to your continued support.
 
Nao: Nice to meet you. My name is Nao, I play guitar in NightingeiL. Thank you for taking the time to read this interview. I hope you will continue to support us.
 
Rei: Please let me touch your boobs when we meet. (laugh)
 
Hakuya: Thank you for your support. I’ll always play the drums with my heart and soul. I will continue to play the drums, which is my life’s work, and I will continue to work hard every day to provide you with a comfortable and pleasant sound. I will continue to be a band member, musician and drummer for the rest of my life.
 
 
--
 
 

Thanks to @Katt for some "question help and spell/grammar check!"
 
You can read this interview also on J'ROCK'N'ROLL!!
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-nightingeil/3/
 
Japanese version
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-nightingeil/2/
 
-----------------
 
 
We are living in a global pandemic, so how are you currently dealing with the corona issue?
 
Vo. Kon: I just leave the global corona problem to the experts.
Gt. Kaie: I’m soooo tired of it.
Gt. Nao: I’m taking more precautions than just following the general measures.
Ba. Rei: I don’t take any special measures, because I think, if you get it, you’ll get it. 
Dr. Hakuya: I just endure it, and I’m aware of myself to stay safe and healthy.
 
Japan is full of Kanji, so how would you describe NightingeiL with just using one Kanji?
 
Kon: 傷 (kizu, scar): I guess because we are a naive and sensitive band.
Kaie:血(chi, blood): Because it’s or underlying concept.
Nao: 色 (iro, color): We have a dark image, but we have different nuances in various aspects.
Rei: 闇(yami, darkness): Because we are a two faces band
Hakuya: 夜 (yoru, night): It’s the opposite of the brightness of the day, we as a band can live without light as a nocturnal character.
 
And how would you describe yourself with just one Kanji?
 
Kon: 無 (Mu,nothing) Because I want to think about anything at all.
Kaie: 楽 (Raku, easy) Because I am an optimistic person.
Nao: 猫 (neko, cat) Because I can’t live without this creature.
Rei: 陰 (Yin,shadow) Because I’m a gloomy person.
Hakuya: 喰 (Ku, eat): LIVE is a one-shot soul life, I’m performing on stage with the intention of eating and swallowing everything!
 

 
In 2012 you disbanded once, and in 2017 you guys returned back, has anything changed?
 
Kon: We had a member change and we are a 5 member band now, also what we want to express has expanded with those changes.
Kaie: To me it feels as if we started a brand new story.
Nao: Of course the members changed, but I don’t think that the inner core of NightingeiL has changed.
Rei: The color of Solei has become darker.
Hakuya: We understand each other better and also our new members own input of their sound and entanglements ideas.  
 
Why did you decide to use the name NightingeiL as a band name?
 
Kon: We chose the name NightingeiL to express life, love and death.
 
What made you decide to use your stage name?
 
Kon: I can’t remember it anymore, I chose it too long ago.
Kaie: A character in the manga To-y is also called Kaie.
Nao: It’s a part of my real name.
Rei: My name is of no particular origin, but my fortune teller advised me to change my name because it doesn’t have any pluses.
Hakuya: From the anime “Bleach” from Byakuya Kuchiki, the first captain.
 
We are all influenced by someone or something so what are your musical influences?
 
Kon: Many bands and artists have influenced me. 
Kaie: Punk at its core, also hard rock and positive punk. To keep it short, I like LUNA SEA.
Nao: Of course it’s Japanese visual kei music, but nowadays I don’t care much about the genre. If I think it’s good music, I’m influenced by it.
Rei: I like Zi:Kill and Merry Go Round.
Hakuya: 90s J-POP.
 
You all play an instrument (vocals included(smile)), but what made you want to play your instrument?
 
Kon: Because I didn’t have to spend money to buy an instrument.
Kaie: I just happened to be in charge of it.
Nao: My dad had a guitar at home.
Rei: I’ll skip answering this question because it’s an impure motive.
Hakuya: My parents played the drums as a hobby, so we had a drum set at home, so also I started to play the drums for fun. 
 
So please tell us which type of instrument you use. 
 
Kon: I’m using SHURE BETA58A. 
Kaie: The tones I play are almost straight from the amp. 
Nao: The current guitar I use is one I painted myself.
Rei: I’m using Warwick JAZZMAN.
Hakuya:  My drum set: TAMAdrums starclassicBirch.
Hardware: TAMAdrums
Cymbals: Zildjancymbals
Twin Pedals : AMAHA FP9310
 
Talking about memories, what are some of your favorite memories?
 
Kon: Our emotions after we finish recording together..
Kaie: Can’t choose, so I guess all of them.
Nao: Our live shows and also our daily life together.
Rei: That I am finally able to perform with the legends which I saw in magazines as a junior and High school student. 
Hakuya: Our live shows at big venues and touring around.
 
You’ve been in the music industry for a long time, so what has changed the most since the start of your career?
 
Kon: I stopped to compare my own band with other bands.
Kaie: I don’t have too many expectations anymore.
Nao: We don’t have to be bound by certain stereotypes anymore, we can express ourselves in different ways.
Rei: Our hair was up to our waists, however now our haircuts are shorter. 
Hakuya: Our music and attitude towards the band and how to enjoy it has changed.
 
And what’s the secret to staying active for so long?
 
Kon: It’s finding the good balance between yourself and bandmates, also too keep up a healthy distance between each other.
Kaie: Because I love what I do and because we have people who support us.
Nao: We love our music and we respect each other, which leads to good relationships between each other.
Rei: We don’t get into conflicts easily because we don’t play as a band on a regular basis.
Hakuya: The most important thing above all is that we all love playing music and we are having lots of fun while doing it. 
 
Which song do you think is most popular under fans and what’s your own favorite song?
 
Kon: Our most popular song is “吊り下げの恋”. And my own favorite is “その手”
Kaie: I guess that our most popular song is “吊り下げの恋” and “白い森”. My personal favoriets are “その手” and “彼女と空腹” 
Nao: There are various of popular songs “吊り下げの恋” “12秒間” and “水銀”, but my own favorite is “孤島の彼女”
Rei: “吊り下げの恋” a song which is easy understand, so it’s loved by many people. My own favorite is “孤島の彼女”. 
Hakuya: 歪んで走る and 身代わりの人
 
You have a lot of introspective lyrics, where do you get your inspiration for writing lyrics?
 
Kon: I take inspiration from everything that happens in my life.
How do you write and compose your songs?
Kaie: We bring our ideas to the studio, and turn them into a real song together.
Nao: When we write a song idea, we turn it together into a song.
Rei: Based on our ideas, we create the final song together in the studio. 
 
How has your songwriting changed as you have gotten older?
 
Kon: If you wonder about the lyrics, they haven’t changed.
Kaie: Basically, I haven’t changed at all.
Nao: WE haven’t made any big changes, but we’re not trying to omit them with negative energy, but we’re trying to affirm them and trying to absorb them. 
Rei: It’s getting simpler.
 
Due to Corona, you weren’t able to perform live earlier this year.  How has this affected you? How did you deal with it?
 
Kon: No, problem at all, we didn’t have any live show planned.
Kaie: We’re just in the middle of a hiatus, so…
Nao: We weren’t able to make any plans originally, so it didn’t really affect us.
Rei: It didn’t interfere with NightingeiL’s activities, so I just gave my dogs attention during the self-restraint period. 
Hakuya: I’ve been doing some personal activities, so I was able to perform live. However I wasn’t able to do any activities for about 3 months during the self-restraint period, so in that meanwhile I just practiced at home. 
 
When you are standing on stage, do you face any challenges?
 
Kon: I’m always wondering how I can betray my audience in a good way. 
Kaie: To keep doing stuff easygoing, just to be natural and not being afraid of what I’m doing. 
Nao: Just to have fun. 
Rei: I always feel sorry for my dog to let her stay alone at home.
Hakuya: To stay calm, if you stay calm you are able to enjoy the live show.
 
Why is it important for (rock) bands to play lives?
 
Kon: To feel alive.
Kaie: Because it’s fun.
Nao: It’s the most fun to do and more importantly it’s not only fun with the members but also with the audience. 
Rei: It’s a great way to earn money.
Hakuya: We want people to see us because we’re alive.
 
What’s the most important thing that has happened to you in your music career so far?
 
Kon: Being into this current state now. 
Kaie: To be able to meet a lot of people.
Nao: That I am blessed with my musical friends.
Rei: Everything.
Hakuya: Playing with my favorite artists and supporting them.
 
Some years have passed since your last release, can we expect a new release soon?
 
Kon: If it’s expected we’ll release it, we are also considering digital distribution. 
Kaie: We’re looking at it positively!
Nao: Maybe yes, maybe no, I’ll give my best.
Rei: Would love so.
Hakuya: We’re currently considering it.
 
What’s the biggest challenge of being a musician?
 
Kon: To stay yourself.
Kaie: To absorb things without losing yourself.
Nao: How to deal with music.  
Rei: To not get fat and not to age (becoming unattractive). 
Hakuya: To keep loving and enjoying it. 
 

 
Have you ever thought about performing overseas as NightingeiL?
 
Kon: If you have an offer for us, we’d love to consider it!
Kaie: I would love to go abroad!
Nao: Currently not.
Rei: It’s hard because it makes me feel homesick. 
Hakuya: I always wanted to go abroad.
 
Kaie tweets a lot of anime, but what are some anime’s everyone watched as a kid?
Kaie: Can’t really tell, just check out my tweets. 
 
What’s your ultimate goal for the future? 
 
Kon: Sokushinbutsu. (To become a Bhuddist mummy)
Kaie: My goal is as long as I can enjoy my life, it’s the best life I can have. 
Nao: filial piety (laugh)
Rei: To own lots of dogs.
Hakuya: To be a respected musician and not just a band member.
 
Please tell us your beliefs and/or mottos as an artist?
 
Kon: Where there is will, there is a way
Kaie: Don’t beg, win, and it will be given to you.
Nao: The first thing to do is to make something that you are convinced and confident about.
Rei: It’s going to be a long story, so we’ll have to come back to it another time.
Hakuya: I always like the drums, hit the drums, and push the ensemble to the next level.
 
Please write a last message to your fans and readers.
 
Kon: If you haven’t been exposed to the world of NightingeiL yet, this is a great moment to start.
 
Kaie: The reason why I can take it easy is because there are people who are waiting for me. I am sincerely grateful. Although we are a peculiar band, we are looking forward to your continued support.
 
Nao: Nice to meet you. My name is Nao, I play guitar in NightingeiL. Thank you for taking the time to read this interview. I hope you will continue to support us.
 
Rei: Please let me touch your boobs when we meet. (laugh)
 
Hakuya: Thank you for your support. I’ll always play the drums with my heart and soul. I will continue to play the drums, which is my life’s work, and I will continue to work hard every day to provide you with a comfortable and pleasant sound. I will continue to be a band member, musician and drummer for the rest of my life.
 
 
--
 
 

Thanks to @Katt for some "question help and spell/grammar check!"
 
You can read this interview also on J'ROCK'N'ROLL!!
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-nightingeil/3/
 
Japanese version
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-nightingeil/2/
 
-----------------
 
 
We are living in a global pandemic, so how are you currently dealing with the corona issue?
 
Vo. Kon: I just leave the global corona problem to the experts.
Gt. Kaie: I’m soooo tired of it.
Gt. Nao: I’m taking more precautions than just following the general measures.
Ba. Rei: I don’t take any special measures, because I think, if you get it, you’ll get it. 
Dr. Hakuya: I just endure it, and I’m aware of myself to stay safe and healthy.
 
Japan is full of Kanji, so how would you describe NightingeiL with just using one Kanji?
 
Kon: 傷 (kizu, scar): I guess because we are a naive and sensitive band.
Kaie:血(chi, blood): Because it’s or underlying concept.
Nao: 色 (iro, color): We have a dark image, but we have different nuances in various aspects.
Rei: 闇(yami, darkness): Because we are a two faces band
Hakuya: 夜 (yoru, night): It’s the opposite of the brightness of the day, we as a band can live without light as a nocturnal character.
 
And how would you describe yourself with just one Kanji?
 
Kon: 無 (Mu,nothing) Because I want to think about anything at all.
Kaie: 楽 (Raku, easy) Because I am an optimistic person.
Nao: 猫 (neko, cat) Because I can’t live without this creature.
Rei: 陰 (Yin,shadow) Because I’m a gloomy person.
Hakuya: 喰 (Ku, eat): LIVE is a one-shot soul life, I’m performing on stage with the intention of eating and swallowing everything!
 

 
In 2012 you disbanded once, and in 2017 you guys returned back, has anything changed?
 
Kon: We had a member change and we are a 5 member band now, also what we want to express has expanded with those changes.
Kaie: To me it feels as if we started a brand new story.
Nao: Of course the members changed, but I don’t think that the inner core of NightingeiL has changed.
Rei: The color of Solei has become darker.
Hakuya: We understand each other better and also our new members own input of their sound and entanglements ideas.  
 
Why did you decide to use the name NightingeiL as a band name?
 
Kon: We chose the name NightingeiL to express life, love and death.
 
What made you decide to use your stage name?
 
Kon: I can’t remember it anymore, I chose it too long ago.
Kaie: A character in the manga To-y is also called Kaie.
Nao: It’s a part of my real name.
Rei: My name is of no particular origin, but my fortune teller advised me to change my name because it doesn’t have any pluses.
Hakuya: From the anime “Bleach” from Byakuya Kuchiki, the first captain.
 
We are all influenced by someone or something so what are your musical influences?
 
Kon: Many bands and artists have influenced me. 
Kaie: Punk at its core, also hard rock and positive punk. To keep it short, I like LUNA SEA.
Nao: Of course it’s Japanese visual kei music, but nowadays I don’t care much about the genre. If I think it’s good music, I’m influenced by it.
Rei: I like Zi:Kill and Merry Go Round.
Hakuya: 90s J-POP.
 
You all play an instrument (vocals included(smile)), but what made you want to play your instrument?
 
Kon: Because I didn’t have to spend money to buy an instrument.
Kaie: I just happened to be in charge of it.
Nao: My dad had a guitar at home.
Rei: I’ll skip answering this question because it’s an impure motive.
Hakuya: My parents played the drums as a hobby, so we had a drum set at home, so also I started to play the drums for fun. 
 
So please tell us which type of instrument you use. 
 
Kon: I’m using SHURE BETA58A. 
Kaie: The tones I play are almost straight from the amp. 
Nao: The current guitar I use is one I painted myself.
Rei: I’m using Warwick JAZZMAN.
Hakuya:  My drum set: TAMAdrums starclassicBirch.
Hardware: TAMAdrums
Cymbals: Zildjancymbals
Twin Pedals : AMAHA FP9310
 
Talking about memories, what are some of your favorite memories?
 
Kon: Our emotions after we finish recording together..
Kaie: Can’t choose, so I guess all of them.
Nao: Our live shows and also our daily life together.
Rei: That I am finally able to perform with the legends which I saw in magazines as a junior and High school student. 
Hakuya: Our live shows at big venues and touring around.
 
You’ve been in the music industry for a long time, so what has changed the most since the start of your career?
 
Kon: I stopped to compare my own band with other bands.
Kaie: I don’t have too many expectations anymore.
Nao: We don’t have to be bound by certain stereotypes anymore, we can express ourselves in different ways.
Rei: Our hair was up to our waists, however now our haircuts are shorter. 
Hakuya: Our music and attitude towards the band and how to enjoy it has changed.
 
And what’s the secret to staying active for so long?
 
Kon: It’s finding the good balance between yourself and bandmates, also too keep up a healthy distance between each other.
Kaie: Because I love what I do and because we have people who support us.
Nao: We love our music and we respect each other, which leads to good relationships between each other.
Rei: We don’t get into conflicts easily because we don’t play as a band on a regular basis.
Hakuya: The most important thing above all is that we all love playing music and we are having lots of fun while doing it. 
 
Which song do you think is most popular under fans and what’s your own favorite song?
 
Kon: Our most popular song is “吊り下げの恋”. And my own favorite is “その手”
Kaie: I guess that our most popular song is “吊り下げの恋” and “白い森”. My personal favoriets are “その手” and “彼女と空腹” 
Nao: There are various of popular songs “吊り下げの恋” “12秒間” and “水銀”, but my own favorite is “孤島の彼女”
Rei: “吊り下げの恋” a song which is easy understand, so it’s loved by many people. My own favorite is “孤島の彼女”. 
Hakuya: 歪んで走る and 身代わりの人
 
You have a lot of introspective lyrics, where do you get your inspiration for writing lyrics?
 
Kon: I take inspiration from everything that happens in my life.
How do you write and compose your songs?
Kaie: We bring our ideas to the studio, and turn them into a real song together.
Nao: When we write a song idea, we turn it together into a song.
Rei: Based on our ideas, we create the final song together in the studio. 
 
How has your songwriting changed as you have gotten older?
 
Kon: If you wonder about the lyrics, they haven’t changed.
Kaie: Basically, I haven’t changed at all.
Nao: WE haven’t made any big changes, but we’re not trying to omit them with negative energy, but we’re trying to affirm them and trying to absorb them. 
Rei: It’s getting simpler.
 
Due to Corona, you weren’t able to perform live earlier this year.  How has this affected you? How did you deal with it?
 
Kon: No, problem at all, we didn’t have any live show planned.
Kaie: We’re just in the middle of a hiatus, so…
Nao: We weren’t able to make any plans originally, so it didn’t really affect us.
Rei: It didn’t interfere with NightingeiL’s activities, so I just gave my dogs attention during the self-restraint period. 
Hakuya: I’ve been doing some personal activities, so I was able to perform live. However I wasn’t able to do any activities for about 3 months during the self-restraint period, so in that meanwhile I just practiced at home. 
 
When you are standing on stage, do you face any challenges?
 
Kon: I’m always wondering how I can betray my audience in a good way. 
Kaie: To keep doing stuff easygoing, just to be natural and not being afraid of what I’m doing. 
Nao: Just to have fun. 
Rei: I always feel sorry for my dog to let her stay alone at home.
Hakuya: To stay calm, if you stay calm you are able to enjoy the live show.
 
Why is it important for (rock) bands to play lives?
 
Kon: To feel alive.
Kaie: Because it’s fun.
Nao: It’s the most fun to do and more importantly it’s not only fun with the members but also with the audience. 
Rei: It’s a great way to earn money.
Hakuya: We want people to see us because we’re alive.
 
What’s the most important thing that has happened to you in your music career so far?
 
Kon: Being into this current state now. 
Kaie: To be able to meet a lot of people.
Nao: That I am blessed with my musical friends.
Rei: Everything.
Hakuya: Playing with my favorite artists and supporting them.
 
Some years have passed since your last release, can we expect a new release soon?
 
Kon: If it’s expected we’ll release it, we are also considering digital distribution. 
Kaie: We’re looking at it positively!
Nao: Maybe yes, maybe no, I’ll give my best.
Rei: Would love so.
Hakuya: We’re currently considering it.
 
What’s the biggest challenge of being a musician?
 
Kon: To stay yourself.
Kaie: To absorb things without losing yourself.
Nao: How to deal with music.  
Rei: To not get fat and not to age (becoming unattractive). 
Hakuya: To keep loving and enjoying it. 
 

 
Have you ever thought about performing overseas as NightingeiL?
 
Kon: If you have an offer for us, we’d love to consider it!
Kaie: I would love to go abroad!
Nao: Currently not.
Rei: It’s hard because it makes me feel homesick. 
Hakuya: I always wanted to go abroad.
 
Kaie tweets a lot of anime, but what are some anime’s everyone watched as a kid?
Kaie: Can’t really tell, just check out my tweets. 
 
What’s your ultimate goal for the future? 
 
Kon: Sokushinbutsu. (To become a Bhuddist mummy)
Kaie: My goal is as long as I can enjoy my life, it’s the best life I can have. 
Nao: filial piety (laugh)
Rei: To own lots of dogs.
Hakuya: To be a respected musician and not just a band member.
 
Please tell us your beliefs and/or mottos as an artist?
 
Kon: Where there is will, there is a way
Kaie: Don’t beg, win, and it will be given to you.
Nao: The first thing to do is to make something that you are convinced and confident about.
Rei: It’s going to be a long story, so we’ll have to come back to it another time.
Hakuya: I always like the drums, hit the drums, and push the ensemble to the next level.
 
Please write a last message to your fans and readers.
 
Kon: If you haven’t been exposed to the world of NightingeiL yet, this is a great moment to start.
 
Kaie: The reason why I can take it easy is because there are people who are waiting for me. I am sincerely grateful. Although we are a peculiar band, we are looking forward to your continued support.
 
Nao: Nice to meet you. My name is Nao, I play guitar in NightingeiL. Thank you for taking the time to read this interview. I hope you will continue to support us.
 
Rei: Please let me touch your boobs when we meet. (laugh)
 
Hakuya: Thank you for your support. I’ll always play the drums with my heart and soul. I will continue to play the drums, which is my life’s work, and I will continue to work hard every day to provide you with a comfortable and pleasant sound. I will continue to be a band member, musician and drummer for the rest of my life.
 
 
--
 
 

Thanks to @Katt for some "question help and spell/grammar check!"
 
You can read this interview also on J'ROCK'N'ROLL!!
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-nightingeil/3/
 
Japanese version
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-nightingeil/2/
 
-----------------
 
 
We are living in a global pandemic, so how are you currently dealing with the corona issue?
 
Vo. Kon: I just leave the global corona problem to the experts.
Gt. Kaie: I’m soooo tired of it.
Gt. Nao: I’m taking more precautions than just following the general measures.
Ba. Rei: I don’t take any special measures, because I think, if you get it, you’ll get it. 
Dr. Hakuya: I just endure it, and I’m aware of myself to stay safe and healthy.
 
Japan is full of Kanji, so how would you describe NightingeiL with just using one Kanji?
 
Kon: 傷 (kizu, scar): I guess because we are a naive and sensitive band.
Kaie:血(chi, blood): Because it’s or underlying concept.
Nao: 色 (iro, color): We have a dark image, but we have different nuances in various aspects.
Rei: 闇(yami, darkness): Because we are a two faces band
Hakuya: 夜 (yoru, night): It’s the opposite of the brightness of the day, we as a band can live without light as a nocturnal character.
 
And how would you describe yourself with just one Kanji?
 
Kon: 無 (Mu,nothing) Because I want to think about anything at all.
Kaie: 楽 (Raku, easy) Because I am an optimistic person.
Nao: 猫 (neko, cat) Because I can’t live without this creature.
Rei: 陰 (Yin,shadow) Because I’m a gloomy person.
Hakuya: 喰 (Ku, eat): LIVE is a one-shot soul life, I’m performing on stage with the intention of eating and swallowing everything!
 

 
In 2012 you disbanded once, and in 2017 you guys returned back, has anything changed?
 
Kon: We had a member change and we are a 5 member band now, also what we want to express has expanded with those changes.
Kaie: To me it feels as if we started a brand new story.
Nao: Of course the members changed, but I don’t think that the inner core of NightingeiL has changed.
Rei: The color of Solei has become darker.
Hakuya: We understand each other better and also our new members own input of their sound and entanglements ideas.  
 
Why did you decide to use the name NightingeiL as a band name?
 
Kon: We chose the name NightingeiL to express life, love and death.
 
What made you decide to use your stage name?
 
Kon: I can’t remember it anymore, I chose it too long ago.
Kaie: A character in the manga To-y is also called Kaie.
Nao: It’s a part of my real name.
Rei: My name is of no particular origin, but my fortune teller advised me to change my name because it doesn’t have any pluses.
Hakuya: From the anime “Bleach” from Byakuya Kuchiki, the first captain.
 
We are all influenced by someone or something so what are your musical influences?
 
Kon: Many bands and artists have influenced me. 
Kaie: Punk at its core, also hard rock and positive punk. To keep it short, I like LUNA SEA.
Nao: Of course it’s Japanese visual kei music, but nowadays I don’t care much about the genre. If I think it’s good music, I’m influenced by it.
Rei: I like Zi:Kill and Merry Go Round.
Hakuya: 90s J-POP.
 
You all play an instrument (vocals included(smile)), but what made you want to play your instrument?
 
Kon: Because I didn’t have to spend money to buy an instrument.
Kaie: I just happened to be in charge of it.
Nao: My dad had a guitar at home.
Rei: I’ll skip answering this question because it’s an impure motive.
Hakuya: My parents played the drums as a hobby, so we had a drum set at home, so also I started to play the drums for fun. 
 
So please tell us which type of instrument you use. 
 
Kon: I’m using SHURE BETA58A. 
Kaie: The tones I play are almost straight from the amp. 
Nao: The current guitar I use is one I painted myself.
Rei: I’m using Warwick JAZZMAN.
Hakuya:  My drum set: TAMAdrums starclassicBirch.
Hardware: TAMAdrums
Cymbals: Zildjancymbals
Twin Pedals : AMAHA FP9310
 
Talking about memories, what are some of your favorite memories?
 
Kon: Our emotions after we finish recording together..
Kaie: Can’t choose, so I guess all of them.
Nao: Our live shows and also our daily life together.
Rei: That I am finally able to perform with the legends which I saw in magazines as a junior and High school student. 
Hakuya: Our live shows at big venues and touring around.
 
You’ve been in the music industry for a long time, so what has changed the most since the start of your career?
 
Kon: I stopped to compare my own band with other bands.
Kaie: I don’t have too many expectations anymore.
Nao: We don’t have to be bound by certain stereotypes anymore, we can express ourselves in different ways.
Rei: Our hair was up to our waists, however now our haircuts are shorter. 
Hakuya: Our music and attitude towards the band and how to enjoy it has changed.
 
And what’s the secret to staying active for so long?
 
Kon: It’s finding the good balance between yourself and bandmates, also too keep up a healthy distance between each other.
Kaie: Because I love what I do and because we have people who support us.
Nao: We love our music and we respect each other, which leads to good relationships between each other.
Rei: We don’t get into conflicts easily because we don’t play as a band on a regular basis.
Hakuya: The most important thing above all is that we all love playing music and we are having lots of fun while doing it. 
 
Which song do you think is most popular under fans and what’s your own favorite song?
 
Kon: Our most popular song is “吊り下げの恋”. And my own favorite is “その手”
Kaie: I guess that our most popular song is “吊り下げの恋” and “白い森”. My personal favoriets are “その手” and “彼女と空腹” 
Nao: There are various of popular songs “吊り下げの恋” “12秒間” and “水銀”, but my own favorite is “孤島の彼女”
Rei: “吊り下げの恋” a song which is easy understand, so it’s loved by many people. My own favorite is “孤島の彼女”. 
Hakuya: 歪んで走る and 身代わりの人
 
You have a lot of introspective lyrics, where do you get your inspiration for writing lyrics?
 
Kon: I take inspiration from everything that happens in my life.
How do you write and compose your songs?
Kaie: We bring our ideas to the studio, and turn them into a real song together.
Nao: When we write a song idea, we turn it together into a song.
Rei: Based on our ideas, we create the final song together in the studio. 
 
How has your songwriting changed as you have gotten older?
 
Kon: If you wonder about the lyrics, they haven’t changed.
Kaie: Basically, I haven’t changed at all.
Nao: WE haven’t made any big changes, but we’re not trying to omit them with negative energy, but we’re trying to affirm them and trying to absorb them. 
Rei: It’s getting simpler.
 
Due to Corona, you weren’t able to perform live earlier this year.  How has this affected you? How did you deal with it?
 
Kon: No, problem at all, we didn’t have any live show planned.
Kaie: We’re just in the middle of a hiatus, so…
Nao: We weren’t able to make any plans originally, so it didn’t really affect us.
Rei: It didn’t interfere with NightingeiL’s activities, so I just gave my dogs attention during the self-restraint period. 
Hakuya: I’ve been doing some personal activities, so I was able to perform live. However I wasn’t able to do any activities for about 3 months during the self-restraint period, so in that meanwhile I just practiced at home. 
 
When you are standing on stage, do you face any challenges?
 
Kon: I’m always wondering how I can betray my audience in a good way. 
Kaie: To keep doing stuff easygoing, just to be natural and not being afraid of what I’m doing. 
Nao: Just to have fun. 
Rei: I always feel sorry for my dog to let her stay alone at home.
Hakuya: To stay calm, if you stay calm you are able to enjoy the live show.
 
Why is it important for (rock) bands to play lives?
 
Kon: To feel alive.
Kaie: Because it’s fun.
Nao: It’s the most fun to do and more importantly it’s not only fun with the members but also with the audience. 
Rei: It’s a great way to earn money.
Hakuya: We want people to see us because we’re alive.
 
What’s the most important thing that has happened to you in your music career so far?
 
Kon: Being into this current state now. 
Kaie: To be able to meet a lot of people.
Nao: That I am blessed with my musical friends.
Rei: Everything.
Hakuya: Playing with my favorite artists and supporting them.
 
Some years have passed since your last release, can we expect a new release soon?
 
Kon: If it’s expected we’ll release it, we are also considering digital distribution. 
Kaie: We’re looking at it positively!
Nao: Maybe yes, maybe no, I’ll give my best.
Rei: Would love so.
Hakuya: We’re currently considering it.
 
What’s the biggest challenge of being a musician?
 
Kon: To stay yourself.
Kaie: To absorb things without losing yourself.
Nao: How to deal with music.  
Rei: To not get fat and not to age (becoming unattractive). 
Hakuya: To keep loving and enjoying it. 
 

 
Have you ever thought about performing overseas as NightingeiL?
 
Kon: If you have an offer for us, we’d love to consider it!
Kaie: I would love to go abroad!
Nao: Currently not.
Rei: It’s hard because it makes me feel homesick. 
Hakuya: I always wanted to go abroad.
 
Kaie tweets a lot of anime, but what are some anime’s everyone watched as a kid?
Kaie: Can’t really tell, just check out my tweets. 
 
What’s your ultimate goal for the future? 
 
Kon: Sokushinbutsu. (To become a Bhuddist mummy)
Kaie: My goal is as long as I can enjoy my life, it’s the best life I can have. 
Nao: filial piety (laugh)
Rei: To own lots of dogs.
Hakuya: To be a respected musician and not just a band member.
 
Please tell us your beliefs and/or mottos as an artist?
 
Kon: Where there is will, there is a way
Kaie: Don’t beg, win, and it will be given to you.
Nao: The first thing to do is to make something that you are convinced and confident about.
Rei: It’s going to be a long story, so we’ll have to come back to it another time.
Hakuya: I always like the drums, hit the drums, and push the ensemble to the next level.
 
Please write a last message to your fans and readers.
 
Kon: If you haven’t been exposed to the world of NightingeiL yet, this is a great moment to start.
 
Kaie: The reason why I can take it easy is because there are people who are waiting for me. I am sincerely grateful. Although we are a peculiar band, we are looking forward to your continued support.
 
Nao: Nice to meet you. My name is Nao, I play guitar in NightingeiL. Thank you for taking the time to read this interview. I hope you will continue to support us.
 
Rei: Please let me touch your boobs when we meet. (laugh)
 
Hakuya: Thank you for your support. I’ll always play the drums with my heart and soul. I will continue to play the drums, which is my life’s work, and I will continue to work hard every day to provide you with a comfortable and pleasant sound. I will continue to be a band member, musician and drummer for the rest of my life.
 
 
--
 
 

Thanks to @Katt for some "question help and spell/grammar check!"
 
You can read this interview also on J'ROCK'N'ROLL!!
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-nightingeil/3/
 
Japanese version
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-nightingeil/2/
 
-----------------
 
 
We are living in a global pandemic, so how are you currently dealing with the corona issue?
 
Vo. Kon: I just leave the global corona problem to the experts.
Gt. Kaie: I’m soooo tired of it.
Gt. Nao: I’m taking more precautions than just following the general measures.
Ba. Rei: I don’t take any special measures, because I think, if you get it, you’ll get it. 
Dr. Hakuya: I just endure it, and I’m aware of myself to stay safe and healthy.
 
Japan is full of Kanji, so how would you describe NightingeiL with just using one Kanji?
 
Kon: 傷 (kizu, scar): I guess because we are a naive and sensitive band.
Kaie:血(chi, blood): Because it’s or underlying concept.
Nao: 色 (iro, color): We have a dark image, but we have different nuances in various aspects.
Rei: 闇(yami, darkness): Because we are a two faces band
Hakuya: 夜 (yoru, night): It’s the opposite of the brightness of the day, we as a band can live without light as a nocturnal character.
 
And how would you describe yourself with just one Kanji?
 
Kon: 無 (Mu,nothing) Because I want to think about anything at all.
Kaie: 楽 (Raku, easy) Because I am an optimistic person.
Nao: 猫 (neko, cat) Because I can’t live without this creature.
Rei: 陰 (Yin,shadow) Because I’m a gloomy person.
Hakuya: 喰 (Ku, eat): LIVE is a one-shot soul life, I’m performing on stage with the intention of eating and swallowing everything!
 

 
In 2012 you disbanded once, and in 2017 you guys returned back, has anything changed?
 
Kon: We had a member change and we are a 5 member band now, also what we want to express has expanded with those changes.
Kaie: To me it feels as if we started a brand new story.
Nao: Of course the members changed, but I don’t think that the inner core of NightingeiL has changed.
Rei: The color of Solei has become darker.
Hakuya: We understand each other better and also our new members own input of their sound and entanglements ideas.  
 
Why did you decide to use the name NightingeiL as a band name?
 
Kon: We chose the name NightingeiL to express life, love and death.
 
What made you decide to use your stage name?
 
Kon: I can’t remember it anymore, I chose it too long ago.
Kaie: A character in the manga To-y is also called Kaie.
Nao: It’s a part of my real name.
Rei: My name is of no particular origin, but my fortune teller advised me to change my name because it doesn’t have any pluses.
Hakuya: From the anime “Bleach” from Byakuya Kuchiki, the first captain.
 
We are all influenced by someone or something so what are your musical influences?
 
Kon: Many bands and artists have influenced me. 
Kaie: Punk at its core, also hard rock and positive punk. To keep it short, I like LUNA SEA.
Nao: Of course it’s Japanese visual kei music, but nowadays I don’t care much about the genre. If I think it’s good music, I’m influenced by it.
Rei: I like Zi:Kill and Merry Go Round.
Hakuya: 90s J-POP.
 
You all play an instrument (vocals included(smile)), but what made you want to play your instrument?
 
Kon: Because I didn’t have to spend money to buy an instrument.
Kaie: I just happened to be in charge of it.
Nao: My dad had a guitar at home.
Rei: I’ll skip answering this question because it’s an impure motive.
Hakuya: My parents played the drums as a hobby, so we had a drum set at home, so also I started to play the drums for fun. 
 
So please tell us which type of instrument you use. 
 
Kon: I’m using SHURE BETA58A. 
Kaie: The tones I play are almost straight from the amp. 
Nao: The current guitar I use is one I painted myself.
Rei: I’m using Warwick JAZZMAN.
Hakuya:  My drum set: TAMAdrums starclassicBirch.
Hardware: TAMAdrums
Cymbals: Zildjancymbals
Twin Pedals : AMAHA FP9310
 
Talking about memories, what are some of your favorite memories?
 
Kon: Our emotions after we finish recording together..
Kaie: Can’t choose, so I guess all of them.
Nao: Our live shows and also our daily life together.
Rei: That I am finally able to perform with the legends which I saw in magazines as a junior and High school student. 
Hakuya: Our live shows at big venues and touring around.
 
You’ve been in the music industry for a long time, so what has changed the most since the start of your career?
 
Kon: I stopped to compare my own band with other bands.
Kaie: I don’t have too many expectations anymore.
Nao: We don’t have to be bound by certain stereotypes anymore, we can express ourselves in different ways.
Rei: Our hair was up to our waists, however now our haircuts are shorter. 
Hakuya: Our music and attitude towards the band and how to enjoy it has changed.
 
And what’s the secret to staying active for so long?
 
Kon: It’s finding the good balance between yourself and bandmates, also too keep up a healthy distance between each other.
Kaie: Because I love what I do and because we have people who support us.
Nao: We love our music and we respect each other, which leads to good relationships between each other.
Rei: We don’t get into conflicts easily because we don’t play as a band on a regular basis.
Hakuya: The most important thing above all is that we all love playing music and we are having lots of fun while doing it. 
 
Which song do you think is most popular under fans and what’s your own favorite song?
 
Kon: Our most popular song is “吊り下げの恋”. And my own favorite is “その手”
Kaie: I guess that our most popular song is “吊り下げの恋” and “白い森”. My personal favoriets are “その手” and “彼女と空腹” 
Nao: There are various of popular songs “吊り下げの恋” “12秒間” and “水銀”, but my own favorite is “孤島の彼女”
Rei: “吊り下げの恋” a song which is easy understand, so it’s loved by many people. My own favorite is “孤島の彼女”. 
Hakuya: 歪んで走る and 身代わりの人
 
You have a lot of introspective lyrics, where do you get your inspiration for writing lyrics?
 
Kon: I take inspiration from everything that happens in my life.
How do you write and compose your songs?
Kaie: We bring our ideas to the studio, and turn them into a real song together.
Nao: When we write a song idea, we turn it together into a song.
Rei: Based on our ideas, we create the final song together in the studio. 
 
How has your songwriting changed as you have gotten older?
 
Kon: If you wonder about the lyrics, they haven’t changed.
Kaie: Basically, I haven’t changed at all.
Nao: WE haven’t made any big changes, but we’re not trying to omit them with negative energy, but we’re trying to affirm them and trying to absorb them. 
Rei: It’s getting simpler.
 
Due to Corona, you weren’t able to perform live earlier this year.  How has this affected you? How did you deal with it?
 
Kon: No, problem at all, we didn’t have any live show planned.
Kaie: We’re just in the middle of a hiatus, so…
Nao: We weren’t able to make any plans originally, so it didn’t really affect us.
Rei: It didn’t interfere with NightingeiL’s activities, so I just gave my dogs attention during the self-restraint period. 
Hakuya: I’ve been doing some personal activities, so I was able to perform live. However I wasn’t able to do any activities for about 3 months during the self-restraint period, so in that meanwhile I just practiced at home. 
 
When you are standing on stage, do you face any challenges?
 
Kon: I’m always wondering how I can betray my audience in a good way. 
Kaie: To keep doing stuff easygoing, just to be natural and not being afraid of what I’m doing. 
Nao: Just to have fun. 
Rei: I always feel sorry for my dog to let her stay alone at home.
Hakuya: To stay calm, if you stay calm you are able to enjoy the live show.
 
Why is it important for (rock) bands to play lives?
 
Kon: To feel alive.
Kaie: Because it’s fun.
Nao: It’s the most fun to do and more importantly it’s not only fun with the members but also with the audience. 
Rei: It’s a great way to earn money.
Hakuya: We want people to see us because we’re alive.
 
What’s the most important thing that has happened to you in your music career so far?
 
Kon: Being into this current state now. 
Kaie: To be able to meet a lot of people.
Nao: That I am blessed with my musical friends.
Rei: Everything.
Hakuya: Playing with my favorite artists and supporting them.
 
Some years have passed since your last release, can we expect a new release soon?
 
Kon: If it’s expected we’ll release it, we are also considering digital distribution. 
Kaie: We’re looking at it positively!
Nao: Maybe yes, maybe no, I’ll give my best.
Rei: Would love so.
Hakuya: We’re currently considering it.
 
What’s the biggest challenge of being a musician?
 
Kon: To stay yourself.
Kaie: To absorb things without losing yourself.
Nao: How to deal with music.  
Rei: To not get fat and not to age (becoming unattractive). 
Hakuya: To keep loving and enjoying it. 
 

 
Have you ever thought about performing overseas as NightingeiL?
 
Kon: If you have an offer for us, we’d love to consider it!
Kaie: I would love to go abroad!
Nao: Currently not.
Rei: It’s hard because it makes me feel homesick. 
Hakuya: I always wanted to go abroad.
 
Kaie tweets a lot of anime, but what are some anime’s everyone watched as a kid?
Kaie: Can’t really tell, just check out my tweets. 
 
What’s your ultimate goal for the future? 
 
Kon: Sokushinbutsu. (To become a Bhuddist mummy)
Kaie: My goal is as long as I can enjoy my life, it’s the best life I can have. 
Nao: filial piety (laugh)
Rei: To own lots of dogs.
Hakuya: To be a respected musician and not just a band member.
 
Please tell us your beliefs and/or mottos as an artist?
 
Kon: Where there is will, there is a way
Kaie: Don’t beg, win, and it will be given to you.
Nao: The first thing to do is to make something that you are convinced and confident about.
Rei: It’s going to be a long story, so we’ll have to come back to it another time.
Hakuya: I always like the drums, hit the drums, and push the ensemble to the next level.
 
Please write a last message to your fans and readers.
 
Kon: If you haven’t been exposed to the world of NightingeiL yet, this is a great moment to start.
 
Kaie: The reason why I can take it easy is because there are people who are waiting for me. I am sincerely grateful. Although we are a peculiar band, we are looking forward to your continued support.
 
Nao: Nice to meet you. My name is Nao, I play guitar in NightingeiL. Thank you for taking the time to read this interview. I hope you will continue to support us.
 
Rei: Please let me touch your boobs when we meet. (laugh)
 
Hakuya: Thank you for your support. I’ll always play the drums with my heart and soul. I will continue to play the drums, which is my life’s work, and I will continue to work hard every day to provide you with a comfortable and pleasant sound. I will continue to be a band member, musician and drummer for the rest of my life.
 
 
--
 
 

Ah I guess that's why they didn't want to be interviewed.... o.o

Nice to meet you DAMMITLAND. How did you all actually meet?
 
KAZUKI: A mutual acquaintance told me about Kyuusuke and for the first half year we were looking for other members however we always ended up drinking in a izakaya. “If we will continue like this, we won’t ever be able to form a band!”  So we started searching seriously and then we found P, and P invited his acquaintance MAa to join us too, and so our current line-up was formed. 
 
DAMMITLAND is active as a visual kei band, however what’s the reason that did you form DAMMITLAND as a visual kei band?
 
KAZUKI: The other members’ past bands were Visual Kei bands, and we just wanted to challenge the visual system in terms of the music scene.
 
I’m glad to read that you guys want to rebel against the world with a taste of irony. What kind of things going on the world have influenced your lyrics the most?
 
Kyuusuke: Actually, I’m just writing about what’s happening around me and what I’m thinking and feel about it, so I’m not really influenced by anything.
 
Why did you become a musician? Could you name some artist that inspired you to become a musician?
 
Kyuusuke: I just wanted to be in a band, no other reason. I guess I am inspired by many various people.
 
KAZUKI: I just wanted to stand out and express myself. THE YELLOW MONKEY and LA★69 inspired me the most.
 
P: I started playing guitar in my free time, because I wasn’t in any high school club, also I found the joy of playing live.  BUMP OF CHICKEN and HIGH and MIGHTY Color inspired me the most.
 
MAa: When I saw Tomoyasu Hotei performing a show, he was surrounded by women, that made me think that I also wanted to be popular. Tomoyasu Hotei and Dir en Grey inspired me the most. 
 
We all get our inspiration from someone or something so what’s your biggest inspiration for making music?
 
Kyuusuke: Sleeping well
 
KAZYUKI: A crowded train and other frustrating and negative emotions in everyday life.
 
P: Drinking or taking a walk with a camera
 
MAa: Coffee Time
 
KAZUKI, your band history isn’t visual kei, why did you decide to follow the visual path? 
 
KAZUKI: Originally I was doing hard-rock and metal, I always played the music I wanted to play with my hard-rock band-mates. We have done one-man shows, various tours, support stuff and we even went overseas.  However this time I wanted to write my own music. Visual Kei is a genre made up of many different kinds of music and I thought it was a scene where I wanted to create my own songs and videos to present them. I’m not hiding who I am, whether it’s hard-rock or visual kei, I’m just me, so I’ll do whatever I want.
 
Recently some people say “Today’s visual kei is fake, just host-kei imitators etc”. How do you feel about those words?
 
KAZUKI: There are times when songs have similar chord progressions and riffs, but I think the band’s power is being tested by how to make it a song full of originality.
 
Kyuusuke, why did you switch from guitar to vocals?
 
Kyuusuke: Well, I like singing. Also if I loved to dance, I would be a dancer. 
 
I saw the cover of LUNA SEA ROSIER, Why did you record a cover this song? Do you all like LUNA SEA? Or did  you just choose this “one song”?
 
KAZUKI: We are going to release a cover song every month as one of our YouTube projects. ROSIER by LUNA SEA is a famous song and we like LUNA SEA, so we thought it would be a good first song for this project.
 
You said that you have recorded your last single at home. Because corona makes it more difficult to record stuff at a studio, but will you continue to record your releases at home? 
 
KAZUKI: If possible, we would like to share all our songs on YouTube and streaming media. Recording at home is a good way to keep the costs low, so we probably will continue to do it in the future.
 
What other struggles do you face because of Corona?
 
KAZUKI: It’s difficult to perform a live show, however instead we think of doing other fun things which we couldn’t do before, like shooting videos for YouTube.
Anyway you said that you did choose not to use electronic sounds? However Such sounds are very popular these days isn’t, so why do you omit them?
 
KAZUKI: It’s not that we are omitting them, but I don’t use it in our existing songs because it’s not necessary. I might like to use synthesizers and other electronic sounds in the future, if we feel that they are necessary to improve the quality of the song, but we don’t need them for our existing songs.
 
Your YouTube channel is filled with variety of videos channel. Such as rate this beer, without know which beer you are actually drinking. Will you continue to create these fun videos?
 
KAZUKI: We surely will continue to share more of these kinds of videos in the future. It would be good if people would discover DAMMITLAND through live shows and YouTube.
 
What about digital music distribution? Will you continue to distribute your music digitally?
 
KAZUKI: If we are going to release more songs in the future, I guess we will mainly distribute them to YouTube and streaming sites, because I think it’s a good way to introduce DAMMITLAND to people who might enjoy listening to us.
 
If you write brand new songs… where is your favorite place to write them?
 
Kyuusuke: I guess in my bed
 
KAZUKI: In my room, in front of my computer.
 
P: On my sofa.
 
Is it difficult to be an artist? if so what’s difficult about it?
 
Kyuusuke: As long as you enjoy it, nothing is difficult.
 
KAZUKI: To find the right izakayas after the shows to share your thoughts together afterwards.
 
P: To be on time for meetings, studio and live shows.
 
MAa: Human relations.
 
Is there any valuable moment in your music career so far?
 
Kyuusuke: Receiving fan letters.
 
KAZUKI: Being in the band DAMMITLAND with members who share the same way of thinking.  
 
P: The very first live show I played in my life, it was the day that I found the joy in performing live.
 
MAa: Being cheered by the high-pitched voices of our fans
 
We all know age is secret, but still we would like to know who is the youngest and who is the oldest in the band?
 
KAZUKI: I’ll leave that to your imagination!
 
If someone would ask you, “why should I listen to your band” what would you tell this person?
 
KAZUKI: I would tell this person: I think that all the songs which Kyuuske created and wrote are amazing, so please check them out and listen to them often.
 
Do you have any Ultimate goal for the future?
 
Kyuusuke: To stay healthy and enjoy life for a long time.
 
KAZUKI: To be able to enjoy music activities for a long time.
 
P: To play a one-man show at OSAKA-JO-HALL.
 
MAa: To play at Fuji Rock.
 
Beliefs and Mottoes, please share yours.
 
Kyuusuke: If there is something you want to do, you should do it right away!
 
KAZUKI: I want to be the bassist that the 20-year old me would adore and think “he is cool!”. 
 
P: Always keep the strongest image of yourself in your mind.
 
MAa: Forever Young
 
We came to the end, so please give a message to your fans and readers.
 
Kyuusuke: Please don’t forget to subscribe to our youtube channel and to follow me and us on Twitter.
 
KAZUKI: Thank you very much for reading this interview. I like to continue to share various interesting things on youtube,  I also would like to try TwitCasting, so please keep up following me and us!
 
P: Thank you for reading until the end. I will continue to do whatever I want, however I’ll avoid the inconvenience.
 
MAa: Everyone, Let’s keep on living!
 
 

 
Questions discussed together with  @Katt

Of course of course another bandman who wish to break contact with his bandmates...
 
 

Of course of course another bandman who wish to break contact with his bandmates...
 
 

phone and desktop
 
 

Interview can also be read on jrockrnoll
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-bebop/3/
 
 
和 (wa)(harmony)

We don’t like that Punk has an aggressive image. There is a saying in Japan that goes “Respect with harmony”, which means that it;s important to not just get along with each other, but also to discuss and talk with each other firmly. We feel this is also important as a “band” as well, which is why we chose the kanji for “harmony”. 
 
 
Tommy: 鮫 (same)(shark)
A shark is strong, beautiful and disliked.
 
TsutomuUSA: 笑 (wara)(smile)
Because I always want to give my smile to anything. 
 
Tommy: A musician can convey a lot of information at a glance, for example, melody, lyrics, style and expression. I thought it’s wonderful.
I started to play the guitar after I saw a live video of THE BLUE HEARTS, I was immediately impressed by their amazing guitar performance.
 
TsutomuUSA: I just enjoy playing. I was inspired by NOFX
 
Tommy: I’ve been in BEBOP since my high school years.
 
TsutomuUSA: I have played in a band since I was 17, I played in three bands before joining BEBOP.
 
It did teach us that you never should give up, even when a band comes to a standstill, there is always someone who will share a helping hand. We’ve learned that friendship is very important and that you shouldn’t lose it.
 
Tommy: Old-fashioned and clumsy.
Tommy: When I saw “The High-Lows” at their first live tour in my hometown of Niigata, Japan.
I saw the artist of my dreams in front of me, I was amazed that it was “real”. 
Tommy: I switched from guitar to vocals, and I started to laugh/smile on stage.
Back in the days, I tried not to laugh, nowadays I wonder why I refused it.
 
Tsutomu USA: That’s it’s gotten more dynamic.
Tommy: I write songs based on the lyrics, So when I have a lyric that feels good, I’ll start writing the melody. 
Tommy: To escape into memories, which leads into creating lyrics.
Yes, Tommy writes the lyrics and melody, and the rest is left to the band.
We arrange the songs in the way we want, and after that we complete it together at the studio. 
Tommy: A place where you can drink alcohol endlessly. 
Yes, since we are a band, we're doing it in that style so it’s a challenge to find a member who can keep up with us.
Tommy: The moment of when the ad-lib melody gets you hooked. Probably because you never can’t do it again.
 
TsutomuUSA: What do you mean? playing? (Laughs)
 
For some reason, we used to be stubborn about it. But now we are open to it, so if you see us on the floor, be free to have a chat with us. 
 
https://open.spotify.com/album/5Fs1iclSKw7EIvsM9tuSld
 
It’s not something we can interfere with. We try to keep up our life as normal as possible, and if we get an invite to play a gig, we will try our best!
Tommy: Whiskey, especially Nikka Whisky.
 
TsutomuUSA: When I’m staring at my Shiba dog. 
 
The last live show with Fuzzy.
It was a memorable and precious experience for Tommy to see his childhood friend, with whom he came to Tokyo together, leaving the band. The live performance was so memorable and valuable because the audience loved it and enjoyed it so much.
 
Unlike some other punk bands, BEBOP are not an aggressive band at all, we do have good melodies and lyrics filled with lots of ups, downs and shadows. We hope that people who saw us live for the first time that they will leave with a positive one phrase in their mind.
 
Tommy: Co-star with Johnny Rotten, Mercy and Hiroto!
 
TsutomuUSA: Living on as a drummer
 
Tommy: Just keep going! It’s not that difficult.
 
TsutomuUSA: Everything is fun!
 
Tommy: It’s alright to believe in what you feel it’s amazing. 
 
TsutomuUSA: Just have fun in your life. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

You can read this interview also directly on jrocknroll
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-ranze/3/
 

 
Today an interview with Ranze, you might know him from La Madame Rochas, MAGIER SEXALICE or DRESS or NUDE. He was kind enough to answer some quick to go answers with some strong powerful words. Please enjoy reading it.
 
---
 
Please introduce yourself to your readers. 
I’m RANZE(ランゼ) from DRESS or NUDE
 
Please describe yourself as a Kanji.
美 (Bi)(beauty)
Doesn’t make something beautiful make you somehow nervous? 
 
Could you confirm and complete this band history?
○ La Madame Rochas(1987~1991) 
○ MAGIER SEXALICE -> Waltz Veronica (2008~2014)  
○ DRESS or NUDE(2017/08~)  
○ POISON D’HERMÈS(2016~2019)
 
Why did you want to become a vocalist?
Well, I was actually a guitarist. Back then the vocalist was ill, so I decided to sing our songs. Also I was singing while I was playing the guitar.
 
When you started your first band, “Visual Kei” was still not named. How did you call your own style?
I didn’t transmit anything from myself. I left it up to the sensitivity of the fans’ perception.
 
Back in the days, which bands or things inspired you the most?
Pete Burns
 
Why did you decide to wear strong make-up? 
I was able to transform into the other me. 
 
I’ve seen that “地下室の旋律” was an inspiration for “La Madame Rochas”. (a one shot manga from 1994). Why did you like this manga so much?
A part of the story is about me. (laugh)
 
Later when the term Visual Kei was used for bands who wear makeup. Did you embrace that term? Or did you dislike the term?
I hate the word “visual kei” 
 
Visual Kei has really changed completely in the years hasn’t? 
The current scene is rotten. Everything is imitating. It’s just fake.
 
Do you mind if people call you a “visual kei” band/artist? Please tell us the reason.
As I said before, it’s up to my fans and third parties.
 
When you look at visual kei nowadays, what do you think and feel? 
It’s over. I can’t look at it. 
 
You are already long in the music world, what changed the most in all those years?
There are really less musicians who really play music with the heart. 
They only can say “We are the coolest!”. But only a few people really put effort in their own music to be really the coolest. 
 
What’s the most difficult thing about being an artist? 
SNS
 
Are there more instruments which you can play?
Guitar
 
You formed DRESS or NUDE in 2017/8, what’s the biggest difference from your past bands?
Making a sound which also gives sex appeal to adults. 
 
How did you meet the members of DRESS or NUDE? 
We are all acquaintances
 
Why did you choose to name your mini album “PARADOX UNDERGROUND“? 
This one came to my mind straight away. So we chose this one.
 
What was your biggest inspiration for creating 「PARADOX UNDERGROUND」?
We’ve put on the most popular songs of that time. It’s like a business card. 
 
Please tell me the concept of each lyric of “PARADOX UNDERGROUND.
揚羽  / It expresses the mind’s dependence.
歪に曲がる  / The madness which is hidden within you.
SWEET SLAVES  / A complete play on words.
TANZANITE  / A song about dependence and madness.
 
DRESS or NUDE 1st mini album “PARADOX UNDERGROUND”, is it possible for an overseas fan to obtain it?
Yes
 
What is your inspiration for writing lyrics?
It depends on how I feel at the time I write a song.
 
Are you planning to release a new CD?
I want to release a new CD as fast as possible.
 
Do you have planned activities for the near future? Or will you wait until covid-19 is over?
We will adjust our activity to the world’s situation.
 
You have many tattoos. Are you still happy with all of them? Or do you regret a few?
I will get some new ones!
 
What does tattooing mean to you?
To be able to express myself
 
What’s your favorite tattoo?
Butterfly
 
What’s your most beautiful memory?
That I was born into this world.
 
What is your biggest loss?
Also that I was born into this world.
 
What’s your favorite place to write new songs?
In my car or inside my room.
 
What’s your biggest future goal?
To stay beautiful
 
Please tell me some words of wisdom.
Wolves live and pigs die.
 
Please say some words to your fans and readers. 
Let’s do our best to be able to stand on stage again as soon as possible in this world.

You can read this interview also directly on jrocknroll
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-ranze/3/
 

 
Today an interview with Ranze, you might know him from La Madame Rochas, MAGIER SEXALICE or DRESS or NUDE. He was kind enough to answer some quick to go answers with some strong powerful words. Please enjoy reading it.
 
---
 
Please introduce yourself to your readers. 
I’m RANZE(ランゼ) from DRESS or NUDE
 
Please describe yourself as a Kanji.
美 (Bi)(beauty)
Doesn’t make something beautiful make you somehow nervous? 
 
Could you confirm and complete this band history?
○ La Madame Rochas(1987~1991) 
○ MAGIER SEXALICE -> Waltz Veronica (2008~2014)  
○ DRESS or NUDE(2017/08~)  
○ POISON D’HERMÈS(2016~2019)
 
Why did you want to become a vocalist?
Well, I was actually a guitarist. Back then the vocalist was ill, so I decided to sing our songs. Also I was singing while I was playing the guitar.
 
When you started your first band, “Visual Kei” was still not named. How did you call your own style?
I didn’t transmit anything from myself. I left it up to the sensitivity of the fans’ perception.
 
Back in the days, which bands or things inspired you the most?
Pete Burns
 
Why did you decide to wear strong make-up? 
I was able to transform into the other me. 
 
I’ve seen that “地下室の旋律” was an inspiration for “La Madame Rochas”. (a one shot manga from 1994). Why did you like this manga so much?
A part of the story is about me. (laugh)
 
Later when the term Visual Kei was used for bands who wear makeup. Did you embrace that term? Or did you dislike the term?
I hate the word “visual kei” 
 
Visual Kei has really changed completely in the years hasn’t? 
The current scene is rotten. Everything is imitating. It’s just fake.
 
Do you mind if people call you a “visual kei” band/artist? Please tell us the reason.
As I said before, it’s up to my fans and third parties.
 
When you look at visual kei nowadays, what do you think and feel? 
It’s over. I can’t look at it. 
 
You are already long in the music world, what changed the most in all those years?
There are really less musicians who really play music with the heart. 
They only can say “We are the coolest!”. But only a few people really put effort in their own music to be really the coolest. 
 
What’s the most difficult thing about being an artist? 
SNS
 
Are there more instruments which you can play?
Guitar
 
You formed DRESS or NUDE in 2017/8, what’s the biggest difference from your past bands?
Making a sound which also gives sex appeal to adults. 
 
How did you meet the members of DRESS or NUDE? 
We are all acquaintances
 
Why did you choose to name your mini album “PARADOX UNDERGROUND“? 
This one came to my mind straight away. So we chose this one.
 
What was your biggest inspiration for creating 「PARADOX UNDERGROUND」?
We’ve put on the most popular songs of that time. It’s like a business card. 
 
Please tell me the concept of each lyric of “PARADOX UNDERGROUND.
揚羽  / It expresses the mind’s dependence.
歪に曲がる  / The madness which is hidden within you.
SWEET SLAVES  / A complete play on words.
TANZANITE  / A song about dependence and madness.
 
DRESS or NUDE 1st mini album “PARADOX UNDERGROUND”, is it possible for an overseas fan to obtain it?
Yes
 
What is your inspiration for writing lyrics?
It depends on how I feel at the time I write a song.
 
Are you planning to release a new CD?
I want to release a new CD as fast as possible.
 
Do you have planned activities for the near future? Or will you wait until covid-19 is over?
We will adjust our activity to the world’s situation.
 
You have many tattoos. Are you still happy with all of them? Or do you regret a few?
I will get some new ones!
 
What does tattooing mean to you?
To be able to express myself
 
What’s your favorite tattoo?
Butterfly
 
What’s your most beautiful memory?
That I was born into this world.
 
What is your biggest loss?
Also that I was born into this world.
 
What’s your favorite place to write new songs?
In my car or inside my room.
 
What’s your biggest future goal?
To stay beautiful
 
Please tell me some words of wisdom.
Wolves live and pigs die.
 
Please say some words to your fans and readers. 
Let’s do our best to be able to stand on stage again as soon as possible in this world.

Read fully on JROCKNROLL
https://jrocknroll.com/an-interview-with-einsvier/3/



 
Which Kanji character would you choose to describe Eins:Vier and what’s your own favorite Kanji? 
HIROFUMI ・ Eins:Vier: 想 (sou) | Thought
Myself: 空 (Sky)(sora) | Sometimes vast, sometimes empty.

In all those years how did all the experience affect the band?
HIROFUMI ・Enhancing our living Genes.
LUNA・Nourishment.
YOSHITSUGU・ To stand where we stand now. 
 
What makes you smile?
HIROFUMI ・People smile and laughter.
LUNA・Alcohol!!
YOSHITSUGU・Of course the smiles and laughs of our fans.
 
How would you describe your musical style?
LUNA・Obsession.
 
Has the influences of Eins:Vier changed since you first formed?
HIROFUMI ・ We have changed. Instead of being stuck by rock, I(we) also learned to play/create music acoustic. 
LUNA・It’s always changing. I’m still unbounded by anything!
YOSHITSUGU・It’s not that we changed, but that we have expanded ourselves.
 
What has changed the most since you started your career?
HIROFUMI ・Own pace.
LUNA・My skills grew. 
YOSHITSUGU・I think to be a little bit more expressive.
 
The word visual became a common word for makeup bands. Did you adopt that word? Or do you feel uncomfortable with the words?
HIROFUMI ・I never really was aware of it, and now I don’t mind it anymore.
LUNA・I’ve never used it myself. I don’t care about genre division. 
YOSHITSUGU・I never called myself visual kei. But in the past it was common. 

You have been wearing make-up since the days when the word visual kei didn’t exist yet. What made you choose to be a visual kei band?
HIROFUMI ・Because it was something everybody around me was doing.
LUNA・Back then, I thought it was cool.
YOSHITSUGU・I was influenced by my friends at that time, and I really liked the idea

Has the process for making music changed since you started making music again?
HIROFUMI ・Roughly speaking, it doesn’t change. 
LUNA・Everyone continues to make music!
YOSHITSUGU・Not really. 
 
Has touring as a band changed from when you first formed?
HIROFUMI ・Emotionally it doesn’t change
LUNA・We’d be screwed if we didn’t!
YOSHITSUGU・It’s not just the momentum.
 
What’s your favorite place to write new songs?
HIROFUMI ・Home
LUNA・Home.
YOSHITSUGU・ I only write at home.
 
Where do you draw your inspiration for your own work, both musically and lyrically? 
HIROFUMI ・ Stuff what happens in our daily life. 
LUNA・Accidental impulse!
YOSHITSUGU・daily life happenings
 
Which Eins:Vier song is your favorite?
HIROFUMI ・I can’t choose.
LUNA・Impossible to choose.
YOSHITSUGU・ I guess these are the two new songs that have been released now.
 
Which song to you is most loved by fans of Eins:Vier?
HIROFUMI ・Please ask our fans.
LUNA・I don’t know, please ask our fans.
YOSHITSUGU・I don’t know which song our fans rank as the number one.
 
Do you plan to continue online streaming?
HIROFUMI ・ I don’t know what the future will bring. But it won’t be our priority. 
LUNA・I don’t know our future plans.
YOSHITSUGU・I don’t know, but if we have the chance, we could do it. 
 
Since the mini-album has been postponed, is there a chance we’ll see this music in digital distribution?
HIROFUMI ・We will not release the songs as digital before releasing the actual CD.
LUNA・Advance sales have already begun!
YOSHITSUGU・Only two songs are distributed in advance.
 
The first press of your upcoming release will include a bonus disc containing MV’s of [To the FLAT].
LUNA・There is no plan to include [To the FLAT], but the recorded songs of this mini-album will be recorded as an MV.
 
Corona is currently a global issue. How do you face as an artist?
HIROFUMI ・We are trying to find a way to be secure and do our best to stay in between the realities.
LUNA・We fear no more than necessary! We are careful and following the rules!
YOSHITSUGU・We do what we can do.
 
What is the most difficult thing for being an artist?
HIROFUMI ・For me being an artist isn’t difficult at all. 
LUNA・To keep up your motivation.
YOSHITSUGU・Various stuff.
 
What is the most precious event in your music activities?
HIROFUMI ・All!
LUNA・That we formed Eins:Vier.
YOSHITSUGU・There are many events which are unique.
 
What is your ultimate goal for the future?
HIROFUMI ・To be able to die happily. 
LUNA・To live a happy life.
YOSHITSUGU・A peaceful life.
 
Please tell us about your beliefs as an artist and inspiration for your fans.
LUNA・Let’s live as freely as possible. 
 
And please write a message to your fans and readers!
LUNA・Thank you very much for your support.
YOSHITSUGU・Please listen to our upcoming mini album! And please come to our live shows which will be held next year. 

Read fully on JROCKNROLL
https://jrocknroll.com/an-interview-with-einsvier/3/



 
Which Kanji character would you choose to describe Eins:Vier and what’s your own favorite Kanji? 
HIROFUMI ・ Eins:Vier: 想 (sou) | Thought
Myself: 空 (Sky)(sora) | Sometimes vast, sometimes empty.

In all those years how did all the experience affect the band?
HIROFUMI ・Enhancing our living Genes.
LUNA・Nourishment.
YOSHITSUGU・ To stand where we stand now. 
 
What makes you smile?
HIROFUMI ・People smile and laughter.
LUNA・Alcohol!!
YOSHITSUGU・Of course the smiles and laughs of our fans.
 
How would you describe your musical style?
LUNA・Obsession.
 
Has the influences of Eins:Vier changed since you first formed?
HIROFUMI ・ We have changed. Instead of being stuck by rock, I(we) also learned to play/create music acoustic. 
LUNA・It’s always changing. I’m still unbounded by anything!
YOSHITSUGU・It’s not that we changed, but that we have expanded ourselves.
 
What has changed the most since you started your career?
HIROFUMI ・Own pace.
LUNA・My skills grew. 
YOSHITSUGU・I think to be a little bit more expressive.
 
The word visual became a common word for makeup bands. Did you adopt that word? Or do you feel uncomfortable with the words?
HIROFUMI ・I never really was aware of it, and now I don’t mind it anymore.
LUNA・I’ve never used it myself. I don’t care about genre division. 
YOSHITSUGU・I never called myself visual kei. But in the past it was common. 

You have been wearing make-up since the days when the word visual kei didn’t exist yet. What made you choose to be a visual kei band?
HIROFUMI ・Because it was something everybody around me was doing.
LUNA・Back then, I thought it was cool.
YOSHITSUGU・I was influenced by my friends at that time, and I really liked the idea

Has the process for making music changed since you started making music again?
HIROFUMI ・Roughly speaking, it doesn’t change. 
LUNA・Everyone continues to make music!
YOSHITSUGU・Not really. 
 
Has touring as a band changed from when you first formed?
HIROFUMI ・Emotionally it doesn’t change
LUNA・We’d be screwed if we didn’t!
YOSHITSUGU・It’s not just the momentum.
 
What’s your favorite place to write new songs?
HIROFUMI ・Home
LUNA・Home.
YOSHITSUGU・ I only write at home.
 
Where do you draw your inspiration for your own work, both musically and lyrically? 
HIROFUMI ・ Stuff what happens in our daily life. 
LUNA・Accidental impulse!
YOSHITSUGU・daily life happenings
 
Which Eins:Vier song is your favorite?
HIROFUMI ・I can’t choose.
LUNA・Impossible to choose.
YOSHITSUGU・ I guess these are the two new songs that have been released now.
 
Which song to you is most loved by fans of Eins:Vier?
HIROFUMI ・Please ask our fans.
LUNA・I don’t know, please ask our fans.
YOSHITSUGU・I don’t know which song our fans rank as the number one.
 
Do you plan to continue online streaming?
HIROFUMI ・ I don’t know what the future will bring. But it won’t be our priority. 
LUNA・I don’t know our future plans.
YOSHITSUGU・I don’t know, but if we have the chance, we could do it. 
 
Since the mini-album has been postponed, is there a chance we’ll see this music in digital distribution?
HIROFUMI ・We will not release the songs as digital before releasing the actual CD.
LUNA・Advance sales have already begun!
YOSHITSUGU・Only two songs are distributed in advance.
 
The first press of your upcoming release will include a bonus disc containing MV’s of [To the FLAT].
LUNA・There is no plan to include [To the FLAT], but the recorded songs of this mini-album will be recorded as an MV.
 
Corona is currently a global issue. How do you face as an artist?
HIROFUMI ・We are trying to find a way to be secure and do our best to stay in between the realities.
LUNA・We fear no more than necessary! We are careful and following the rules!
YOSHITSUGU・We do what we can do.
 
What is the most difficult thing for being an artist?
HIROFUMI ・For me being an artist isn’t difficult at all. 
LUNA・To keep up your motivation.
YOSHITSUGU・Various stuff.
 
What is the most precious event in your music activities?
HIROFUMI ・All!
LUNA・That we formed Eins:Vier.
YOSHITSUGU・There are many events which are unique.
 
What is your ultimate goal for the future?
HIROFUMI ・To be able to die happily. 
LUNA・To live a happy life.
YOSHITSUGU・A peaceful life.
 
Please tell us about your beliefs as an artist and inspiration for your fans.
LUNA・Let’s live as freely as possible. 
 
And please write a message to your fans and readers!
LUNA・Thank you very much for your support.
YOSHITSUGU・Please listen to our upcoming mini album! And please come to our live shows which will be held next year. 

Vocal is ex: ねむたいプロジェクト〜season2〜
 
 

EASTBAY was also kind enough to answer a bunch of interview questions, so please also check their interview out!
 

 
https://jrocknroll.com/interview-with-eastbay/